Removing Oxidation From Laser Cut Steel

Stainless steel oxide removal.

Removing oxidation from laser cut steel.

For manufacturers this can really result in a part of poor quality. In addition not as much pressure is required to feed the oxygen to the cutting head. It can also be removed before several surface treatments such as before a coating process to prevent the paint from peeling off. Utilization of oxygen as an assist gas causes an exothermic reaction that creates heat which helps the laser cut through the metal faster.

Step 3 apply a quarter size amount of fine cut automotive rubbing compound designed for use on aluminum onto a terry cloth rag. Anyone who cuts steel parts with a co2 laser and uses oxygen as an assist gas is familiar with the strip also known as laser oxide that forms as a result of the process around the contour of the cut. Manually finishing these parts he adds is quite difficult because of high labor costs inconsistent practices and odd shapes that are not easily manipulated. Rodger talbert writes in his book paint technology handbook that sanding grinding chipping and blasting are effective means of removing the oxide layer from laser cut parts.

Fabricators typically use oxygen as an assist gas during laser cutting of mild steel. Removing the oxidised edge after laser cutting. Laser assist gases are used at the point where the laser cuts the metal and most laser cutting companies use either oxygen or nitrogen as the assist gas. Laser cleaning is the best solution to remove oxide from aluminum.

The oxides adhere poorly to the metal when painted which then causes paint to chip and flake. Laser oxide scale removal. Carbon oxide is formed on the edges of parts when gas is introduced during the thermal metal cutting process. The oxygen causes an exothermic reaction that creates heat which helps the laser cut through the metal.

As the use of thermal cutting processes in the metalworking industry has increased substantially the need to remove the oxidation produced by those processes has also increased. The cleaned parts clearly show the melted recast material around the cut and no gentle cleaning will remove this. This oxidation or scale left over from thermal cutting can cause problems for metal finishers and end customers alike. Oxygen is excellent for cutting mild steel as it actually speeds up the cutting process and allows cutting.

Figure 3d shows a stainless steel part that has been electropolished after laser drilling. As laser and plasma cutting are much more cost effective than die cutting it is quickly becoming the norm for part. Use the sponge to rub away any light oxidation from the surface of your aluminum coated furniture. For example oxide can be removed before welding to strengthen the welds.

In order to effectively remove this recast a gentle electropolish is necessary.