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In simple terms, laser cutting is not a "constant power consumption" operation. Its total power consumption mainly depends on the power of the laser itself, auxiliary equipment, and cutting process parameters.

I. Core Reason: Why do different materials have different power consumption?

The essence of laser cutting is to use a high-energy-density laser beam to heat the material to its melting or vaporization point, while using an auxiliary gas to blow away the molten material, thereby forming a cut seam. Due to the different physical and chemical properties of various materials, the energy required to complete this process varies greatly.

The absorption rate of materials

Different materials have different absorption rates for lasers of different wavelengths. For instance, fiber lasers (with a wavelength of approximately 1.06μm) have a high absorption rate for metallic materials, but an extremely low absorption rate for certain non-metals, such as transparent plastics and glass.

Materials with low absorption rates require higher laser power to initiate and maintain the cutting process, which means that the laser needs to output more energy and consume more electricity.

The melting point and vaporization point of the material

Cutting metals (such as steel and aluminum) : It requires extremely high energy to melt them. Stainless steel is more difficult to cut than carbon steel because of its poor thermal conductivity and the viscosity of its molten material. Aluminum and copper, due to their high reflectivity and high thermal conductivity, require an extremely high initial power to penetrate, resulting in huge power consumption.

Cutting non-metallic materials (such as acrylic, wood, and fabric) : CO2 lasers (with a wavelength of approximately 10.6μm) are typically used, as these materials have a good absorption rate at this wavelength. Their melting or ignition points are much lower than those of metals, so usually lower laser power is required and the total power consumption is also smaller.

Material thickness

This is one of the most crucial factors. The thicker the material, the deeper the penetration depth required, and the laser needs to cut at a higher power and a slower speed. The energy consumed for cutting a 20mm thick steel plate is much higher than that for cutting a 1mm thick steel plate of the same type.

The role and consumption of auxiliary gases

Oxygen: It is used when cutting carbon steel and undergoes an exothermic reaction with the metal. This part of the reaction heat helps with the cutting, thus reducing the demand for laser energy.

Nitrogen: It is used when cutting stainless steel or aluminum, serving to protect and ensure high-purity cutting. It does not provide additional heat and relies entirely on laser energy to melt the material, thus requiring a higher laser power. At the same time, air compressors or nitrogen generators themselves are also major power consumers.

Compressed air: An economical option, but its cooling effect may increase the loss of some laser energy.

Ii. Analysis of Power Consumption Composition

The total power consumption of a laser cutting machine comes from three major parts:

Laser: This is the main power-consuming unit. But it doesn't always operate at full power. During standby, perforation, low-speed cutting and high-speed cutting, its output power changes dynamically, and thus the power consumption is also different.

Motion system: including servo motors, drivers, guide rails, etc., it is responsible for moving the laser head. The power consumption of this part is relatively stable.

Auxiliary system

Cooler: The greater the power, the higher the cooling demand, and the greater the power consumption of the cooler.

Air compressor/air supply system: It provides clean and dry air for the optical path and gas path, with considerable power consumption.

Exhaust fan/dust collector: It can extract the smoke and dust generated during cutting, with relatively high power.

Numerical control system (CNC) : Low power consumption.

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