Nozzles for 2-D laser cutting machines reduce cutting gas usage 70 percent

TRUMPF has introduced the Highspeed and Highspeed Eco nozzles, which the company says boost the feed rate by up to 100 percent for solid-state laser machines that employ fusion cutting with nitrogen. With this technology, the piercing process is faster, and laser power does not need to be increased. These new cutting processes allow for a nearly twofold increase in sheet throughput compared to standard cutting, according to the company.

The nozzles’ design uses less cutting gas: 40 percent less nitrogen on average with the Highspeed, and 70 percent less with the Highspeed Eco.

The scope of applications is now broader for 8-kW lasers used in fusion cutting. The laser now can fusion-cut sheets as thick as 0.5 in. instead of 0.4 in. as in the past.

The Highspeed process makes use of a biflow nozzle. The laser beam and some of the cutting gas pass through the center of this nozzle. The rest forms a secondary flow around the principal flow to concentrate it onto the kerf, expelling molten material more efficiently.

The Highspeed Eco is fitted with a sleeve that forces the gas directly into the kerf, ensuring that little or no gas flows off to the side. While this moving sleeve glides across the material during fusion cutting, the nozzle remains 0.06 in. from the sheet surface. This helps to ensure the nozzle can withstand any spatter generated during piercing.