Laser Cutting Rusty Iron Plates: Tips and Techniques

Have you ever wondered how to effectively cut through rusty iron plates with a laser cutter? This article explores the challenges and best practices for handling rusted materials in laser cutting. By understanding the principles behind laser cutting and the impact of rust on efficiency and quality, you can achieve better results and reduce scrap rates. Dive into practical tips and techniques that ensure a smoother process and improve your laser cutting outcomes.

Table Of Contents

We all know that laser cutting machines are excellent tools for sheet metal processing, cutting through iron as if it were mud. In the actual production process, we often find that processing materials may be rusty, especially in the south where it’s humid, and materials like carbon steel and iron plates are prone to rust.

Can a laser cutting machine cut rusted iron plates? What should we pay attention to when cutting rusted materials with a laser cutting machine?

What should we pay attention to when cutting rusted materials with a laser cutting machine?

First, we need to analyze the cutting principle of the laser cutting machine. The laser itself cannot be a light source; it generates heat only after being absorbed by the sheet metal surface. The laser absorption is different on surfaces with rust or without rust, and the heat generation will be greatly affected.

Generally, cutting rusted plates will have the following impacts:

  • The cutting efficiency of rusted plates will be reduced, the results will be worse, and the scrap rate will be higher. If possible, it’s better to use fewer rusted plates or treat rusted plates before use.
  • The biggest damage actually occurs when holes are punched and cut, causing the lens to be contaminated. You can use a grinder for rust removal before cutting. If the plate is not thick, the impact on plates under 5mm is not significant, but the quality of the cut product will be affected, resulting in a higher rejection rate.
  • Cutting plates with uniform rust will produce better results than cutting plates with uneven rust. This is because plates with uniform rust absorb the laser evenly, allowing for better cutting. For processing materials with uneven rust on the surface, the material surface condition should be evened out before cutting.
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Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

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