Laser cutting of steel: cold or hot?

Laser cutting has become a widely used method in the manufacturing industry for processing steel. This technology offers an efficient and precise alternative to traditional cutting methods. In laser cutting, there are two main approaches: cold cutting and hot cutting. In this article, we will look at the differences between these two techniques, the suitable materials for each, and the advantages they offer.

Differences between cold and hot laser cutting

Cold and hot laser cutting differ mainly in the working temperature and thermal effects generated during the process. In cold cutting, the temperature of the material remains below the melting point, while in hot cutting the temperature exceeds the melting point of the steel.

Cold laser cutting

Cold laser cutting is a technique used to cut steel while keeping the temperature of the material below the melting point. This technique is particularly suitable for thin and medium-thick materials. During cold cutting, the focused laser beam generates intense energy that vaporizes and removes the material. Because the temperature remains low, thermal damage to the area surrounding the cut is minimized.

• Materials suitable for cold laser cutting

Cold laser cutting is suitable for a wide range of steels, including carbon steel, stainless steel and alloy steel. This technique is particularly effective for thin thicknesses, generally up to 12 mm, but can also be used for thicker steels, up to about 25 mm, although with a decrease in performance.

• Advantages of cold laser cutting

Cold laser cutting offers several advantages over other cutting methods. First of all, the precision is high, allowing the production of sharp and precise cuts without the need for further processing. In addition, cold laser cutting does not require the use of mechanical tools, thus reducing setup times and associated costs. Finally, since the process does not require direct contact between the tool and the material, tool wear is reduced, improving tool life. So, overall, cold laser cutting allows greater design flexibility, allowing the realization of complex and detailed cuts.

Hot laser cutting

Hot laser cutting is a technique where the temperature of the material exceeds the melting point of the steel. This process is used for thicker steels, as the higher temperature allows the denser material to be better handled. During hot cutting, the laser generates a thermal energy that melts the material, while a high-pressure gas removes the waste.

• Materials suitable for hot laser cutting

Hot laser cutting is suitable for steels of medium-thick and thick thicknesses. This technique is particularly effective for materials over 12 mm thick.

Carbon steel and alloy steel are the most common materials cut with hot laser cutting.

• Advantages of hot laser cutting

Hot laser cutting offers several advantages over other cutting techniques. Firstly, thanks to the high temperature, faster cuts and greater material penetration can be achieved. In addition, hot laser cutting allows for smoother cut surfaces than cold cutting. This technique can also handle thicker materials, which would be difficult to cut with cold laser cutting. Finally, hot laser cutting offers increased production efficiency for thick steel, allowing you to reduce overall processing times.

Conclusions

Laser cutting of steel offers two main approaches: cold cutting and hot cutting. Both techniques have distinct advantages and are suitable for different applications and material thicknesses. Cold cutting is ideal for thin thicknesses and offers high precision and design flexibility. On the other hand, hot cutting is suitable for medium-thick and thick thicknesses, offering higher cutting speed and smoother surfaces. The choice between the two techniques will depend on the application specifications and production targets. In any case, both laser cutting methods represent advanced and innovative solutions for steel processing.