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Classification of Laser Cutting Heads and Their Differences
The cutting head is one of the core components of a laser cutting machine, and its type and design directly affect cutting quality, efficiency, and application range. Below are the common classifications and their characteristics:
1. Classification by Focal Length Adjustment Method
(1) Fixed-Focus Cutting Head
- Features: Fixed focal length, simple structure, low cost.
- Applications: Cutting materials with uniform thickness (e.g., thin metal sheets, acrylic).
- Limitations: Cannot adapt to varying material thicknesses; requires manual lens replacement.
(2) Manual-Focus Cutting Head
- Features: Adjusts focal length manually by moving the lens, offering better flexibility than fixed-focus heads.
- Applications: Small-batch processing of materials with varying thicknesses.
- Limitations: Low adjustment efficiency; depends on operator experience.
(3) Auto-Focus Cutting Head (Mainstream Choice)
- Features: Motor or pneumatic-driven automatic focal adjustment, responding in real-time to material thickness changes.
- Advantages: Improves cutting precision and efficiency, suitable for dynamic processing (e.g., curved surfaces, irregular shapes).
- Applications: High-precision metal cutting (automotive, aerospace).
2. Classification by Laser Type
(1) CO₂ Laser Cutting Head
- Features: Optimized for 10.6μm wavelength, compatible with non-metallic materials (wood, leather).
- Cooling Method: Typically water-cooled.
- Limitations: Less efficient for metal cutting compared to fiber lasers.
(2) Fiber Laser Cutting Head
- Features: Designed for 1.06μm wavelength, ideal for metals (stainless steel, carbon steel).
- Advantages: High photoelectric conversion efficiency, low maintenance (air-cooled).
(3) YAG Laser Cutting Head
- Features: Pulsed cutting, suitable for high-reflectivity metals (copper, aluminum).
- Limitations: Lower energy efficiency, gradually being replaced by fiber lasers.
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3. Classification by Function and Structure
(1) Standard Cutting Head
-Function: Basic focusing and cutting, no additional features.
- Cost: Low, suitable for general applications.
(2) Capacitive Height-Sensing Cutting Head (with Height Sensor)
- Features: Integrated capacitive sensor for real-time monitoring of nozzle-to-workpiece distance (±0.1mm accuracy).
- Advantages: Prevents collisions, adapts to uneven surfaces, improves cutting stability.
(3) Vision-Assisted Cutting Head
- Features: Equipped with cameras or infrared sensors for automatic contour recognition.
- Applications: Complex pattern cutting or refurbishment machining.
(4) 3D Cutting Head
- Features: Multi-axis movement for cutting 3D surfaces (e.g., pipes, automotive parts).
- Technology: Often paired with robotic arms or 5-axis systems.
4. Classification by Protection Level
(1) Standard Cutting Head
- Protection: Basic dust resistance, suitable for clean environments.
(2) High-Protection Cutting Head
- Features: Sealed design, resistant to splatter and dust (e.g., zinc fumes from galvanized steel cutting).
- Applications: Harsh industrial environments or reflective material processing.
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Key Differences Summary
Basis of Classification | Type | Core Differences | Typical Applications |
Focus Adjustment | Auto vs. Manual | Efficiency, precision, automation level | Mass production vs. small batch |
Laser Type | Fiber vs. CO₂ | Wavelength compatibility with materials | Metals vs. non-metals |
Function | Capacitive vs. Standard | Real-time height tracking capability | Uneven vs. flat surfaces |
Structure | 3D vs. 2D | Multi-axis cutting capability | 3D workpieces vs. flat cutting |
Selection Guidelines
- Thin metals / High precision: Fiber laser + auto-focus + capacitive height-sensing head.
- Non-metals / Thick plates: CO₂ laser + high-protection cutting head.
- Complex 3D shapes: 3D cutting head + vision positioning system.
Price differences between cutting heads can be significant (e.g., auto-focus heads cost several times more than fixed-focus ones). Choose based on production needs and budget.
