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Where does laser radiation originate, and how does it cut material? In this article, we will cover the fundamental principles of CO2 laser operation, which will be useful for owners of laser equipment.
CO2 laser machines serve two primary functions: cutting and engraving. The advantages of laser cutting have made it extremely popular among both hobbyists and professionals.
The origin of the laser beam
A CO2 laser cutter generates its laser beam from a laser tube located at the back of the machine. This tube consists of three chambers:
- The outer and inner chambers contain a mixture of gases, including: carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium.
- The central chamber is filled with water to cool the laser tube.
When electrical energy is supplied to the laser tube, it reacts with the gas mixture, primarily carbon dioxide, which is the key element of the process. This reaction excites the gas molecules, causing them to release energy in the form of infrared light. Since infrared light is outside the visible spectrum, the laser beam itself is invisible to the human eye.
Mirror system
Once generated, the laser beam exits the tube and travels through a system of mirrors that guide it toward the material. A typical CO2 laser cutter is equipped with three mirrors:
- The first mirror is fixed vertically near the laser emitter.
- The second and third mirrors are mounted on moving components of the machine, allowing the beam to be directed along both horizontal and vertical axes.
At the final stage, the beam passes through a focusing lens located in the laser head. This lens concentrates the beam into a fine point, ensuring precision in cutting and engraving.
Numerical control (CNC)
The CNC system is responsible for controlling the movement of the laser head and regulating the laser’s power output. The motherboard transmits commands to the machine’s electronic components via conductors, while the operator interacts with the system through a control panel with a screen and buttons.
Wattsan laser machines feature a segregated design, where electrical and water supply systems are positioned on opposite sides of the machine. This significantly enhances safety by reducing the risk of short circuits.
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Moving components
The movement of the laser cutter is governed by stepper motors and their drivers, which receive signals from the motherboard to control movement along different axes:
- Y-axis: moves the machine’s gantry.
- X-axis: moves the laser head.
- Z-axis (optional): allows vertical movement of the laser head, which is useful for adjusting focus or cutting uneven sheet materials.
The stepper motor driver interprets signals from the motherboard and determines the precise movement of the laser head and gantry across the working field.
Working field and processing
The working field of a CO2 laser cutter operates on a coordinate system, much like a chessboard. Each position in the working area has a unique coordinate, allowing the machine to determine where and when to activate the laser.
- Cutting: if the laser head moves slowly with high power, the material is cut through.
- Engraving: at lower power and higher speeds, the laser marks the surface without cutting through. The machine moves at speeds of up to 700 mm/s, ensuring efficient operation.
Precision and air assist
- The positioning accuracy of a laser machine is 0.01 mm, allowing it to produce intricate designs and detailed engravings.
- Air assist plays a crucial role in processing materials:
- cutting requires strong airflow to remove debris and prevent overheating
- engraving typically uses minimal airflow to avoid distorting fine details.
Software and operation
Before cutting or engraving, designs are created in vector graphics software and then exported to RDWorks. In RDWorks, the design is converted into machine-readable G-code, and settings for power, speed, and other parameters are configured.
Once everything is set, the laser cutter executes the process automatically.
Conclusion
CO2 laser machines, such as those from Wattsan, operate with remarkable precision, combining advanced laser technology, mirror systems, and CNC automation. Their versatility in cutting and engraving various materials makes them a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists. By understanding the core principles of their operation, users can optimize their workflow and achieve high-quality results with ease.
