Introduction
We regularly cut brass on our fiber lasers. Have a read below for more information which may help you with your next brass project.
Why Dave loves cutting brass!
Dave has been with Midtherm Laser for 7 1/2 years and regularly operates the 3kw fiber laser. He explained how he enjoyed cutting brass on the fiber laser more than other materials, so we took the opportunity to speak to him.
Dave was cutting multiple sheets of small flanges cut from a 2000×1000 sheet. He shared his thoughts on cutting:
“We use nitrogen to cut brass, this results in much lower heat build-up while cutting, and a cleaner, oxide-free cut on the edge.”
Brass Cutting Limitations
We can currently laser cut brass from 0.5mm up to 15mm with general tolerances of +/- 0.25mm. The 3kw fiber performs well from 0.5mm – 4mm thicknesses, while the thicker gauges are cut using our 10kW and 12kW lasers. All brass is cut using nitrogen which gives a cleaner edge cut.
MATERIAL FACT
Brass has a natural gold appearance, making it popular for decorative applications without requiring paint or coating.
MATERIAL FACT
Historically, reflective materials such as brass were difficult to process, but modern fiber lasers can cut brass successfully.
MATERIAL FACT
Brass is commonly used for plaques, signage, electrical components and decorative features.
Brass Usage in Manufacturing
There are various industries that use brass. It is a popular choice for decorative items due to its colour and corrosive resistance. It can also be machined easily so can be used for spinning.
Advantages of Using Nitrogen Over Other Gases
Nitrogen is used as an assist gas for the fiber laser. It removes molten material during the cutting process. Nitrogen cuts excessively faster than oxygen and leaves a much cleaner edge. This can aid secondary finishing such as powder coating or painting. Using nitrogen is much more cost effective for us as we have our own nitrogen generator.
You can read more about that here.
Post-Cutting Process for Brass
We can cut pre-polished brass and it can also be polished after cutting. We cannot cut brass with coating on as the laser blows it away. However, special measures are taken when packaging to ensure the surface stays scratch-free. This can be particularly important when it has an aesthetic application.
Dave’s Experience and Insights
Coming from a C02 laser background, the fiber lasers at Midtherm are the first ones Dave has used and he prefers them, much like the other operators. Dave added: “They cut faster, cleaner and this precision shows in the part quality.”
Every time we see Dave cutting some brass now, we know he is enjoying his job a little more than usual!
Conclusion
If you require brass laser cutting, please contact our sales team to discuss your requirements.
