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.
Removing oxidation from laser cut steel.
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.
By gf lasers aug 17 2017 blog.
Oxygen is excellent for cutting mild steel as it actually speeds up the cutting process and allows cutting.
The oxygen causes an exothermic reaction that creates heat which helps the laser cut through the metal.
As laser and plasma cutting are much more cost effective than die cutting it is quickly becoming the norm for part.
The cleaned parts clearly show the melted recast material around the cut and no gentle cleaning will remove this.
Manually finishing these parts he adds is quite difficult because of high labor costs inconsistent practices and odd shapes that are not easily manipulated.
Mix 1 quart of white vinegar with 1 quart of water in a bucket.
Fabricators typically use oxygen as an assist gas during laser cutting of mild steel.
Laser oxide scale removal.
Figure 3d shows a stainless steel part that has been electropolished after laser drilling.
For manufacturers this can really result in a part of poor quality.
Removing the oxidised edge after laser cutting.
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.
Ox 15 liquid descaler.
Stainless steel oxide removal.
Carbon oxide is formed on the edges of parts when gas is introduced during the thermal metal cutting process.
Step 3 apply a quarter size amount of fine cut automotive rubbing compound designed for use on aluminum onto a terry cloth rag.
Laser cleaning is the best solution to remove oxide from aluminum.
For example oxide can be removed before welding to strengthen the welds.
This oxidation or scale left over from thermal cutting can cause problems for metal finishers and end customers alike.
Use the sponge to rub away any light oxidation from the surface of your aluminum coated furniture.
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.
In addition not as much pressure is required to feed the oxygen to the cutting head.