Utilizing a Nitrogen Generator for Laser Cutting is an excellent strategy for reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Nitrogen serves dual roles as both a flushing and cutting gas, propelled through the kerf at high pressure. Its inert nature ensures it doesn’t react with the molten metal, effectively shielding the cutting edge from oxygen contact. This pivotal function prevents oxidation and the formation of rust at the cutting edges, maintaining pristine quality throughout the cutting process. Laser cutting with Nitrogen has emerged as a preferred method in industries demanding immaculate precision and surface quality.”
Oxygen performs a very different role in laser cutting. Whereas nitrogen ensures no reaction takes place at the cutting site, oxygen reacts with the metal in an exothermic reaction. That means more heat is produced around the cutting site, speeding up the cutting process.
The downside is that oxidation causes damage to the cut edge, which means a further clean-up process is required. You can use manual grinding, chemical removal, or other methods to finish the edge. In contrast, nitrogen cutting produces a clean edge.
Depending on the gas delivery method used, nitrogen for laser cutting can be more expensive per hour than oxygen, so you might find it more cost-effective to use oxygen if you are cutting very thick steel.
Employing a nitrogen generator for laser cutting offers significant cost savings compared to the recurring expense and inconvenience of procuring liquid nitrogen. Our nitrogen for laser cutting with an exceptional purity level of 99.999% and a high-pressure outlet free from oil contamination, rendering the continued use of liquid nitrogen unnecessary. Designed to meet both stationary and mobile production needs, our nitrogen generators provide high-quality solutions tailored for various applications, including those with low-volume requirements. Find our more about our nitrogen generator.
Nitrogen for laser cutting can produce excellent edge quality when cutting aluminium. By reducing oxidation by using nitrogen when cutting aluminium, you can reduce the costs of processing the metal after cutting to improve edge quality. More on laser cutting.