A Guide to Brass Laser Cutting

One of the most commonly used metals for various applications across a range of industries is brass.

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Providing manufacturers with a dark gold colouring and shiny appearance, brass is a great choice for applications ranging from decorative items to plumbing parts, household appliances, electrical equipment, and various types of machinery.

Brass is not only practical and decorative; it is also incredibly versatile. A blend of varying levels of zinc and copper, the material brass can produce different mechanical and chemical properties, which steel metalworks use to benefit all applications.

Sheet metal fabrication involves a series of varied processes, one of which is laser cutting and engraving.

Laser cutting is a process suitable for brass; however, brass is a reflective material, making laser cutting challenging for those with little to no experience.

In this post, we look at laser-cutting brass sheets and why working with a professional fabrication team is the best way to ensure a high-quality finished product.

What is brass laser cutting?

Brass laser cutting involves using laser technology where a laser beam is emitted from the equipment using energy to heat the brass and provide the cut.

A gas is then used alongside the laser to blow out and remove the laser-cut metal, providing a clean and precise cut.

Brass laser cutting has no cutting force to the brass, so there is no deformation of the material, allowing a professional sheet metal contractor the ability to achieve precise processing without any burrs, as well as the ability to handle large sheet sizes and varying thickness levels.

Fibre lasers tend to be used over C02 lasers as they can avoid the high reflectivity of the brass, allowing for a clearer cut. Fibre lasers also offer a higher power output and a shorter wavelength (meaning less reflectivity), which is required for brass to avoid burrs from occurring.

Fibre lasers can also melt brass quicker due to their greater energy output, and brass must be in a molten state for a clean cut.

Fibre laser cutting cuts quickly and precisely, with the cutting slit narrow and smooth. This laser technology can also handle a variety of complex patterns, making it suitable for various design applications and specifications.

(Check out one of our other posts on `what is aluminium laser cutting` to find out more about the various materials and fabrication processes required to achieve a quality cut outcome.)

Brass engraving is also popular, as we see it used on brass plates and trophy engravings. Brass engraving is the process of removing the upper surface of the brass material only, to create distinct patterns and etchings.

Laser-cutting brass sheet

Brass is a non-ferrous metal alloy that offers good abrasion resistance and a shiny surface.

However, cutting brass requires a high level of efficiency and precision, and you must be aware that:

Brass is highly reflective of infrared light, and if not managed or handled appropriately, it can reflect the laser beam, causing problems for the laser optics and even the person managing the equipment.

The laser energy used to cut brass is not absorbed well, as most of the laser is reflected. This makes laser cutting brass extremely challenging and a process that should only be carried out by experienced sheet metal fabricators.

The brass must be molten to lower its reflectivity and enable the cut. The more you can lower the reflectivity, the more you can improve the laser energy absorption, which leads to a cleaner cut.

Using laser for brass cutting

For a successful brass cut:

Use the correct power setting &#; this should typically be set high, i.e., the maximum the machine can provide, as this reduces the time for the brass to become molten, reducing the time the brass is at its highest reflectivity. Ultimately, the higher the laser power, the faster the cut.

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Opt for the right cutting speed &#; this is often set at a low speed; we recommend 10 to 15% less than the machine&#;s maximum. The slower speed makes brass cutting much easier.

Position the point of focus as close to the top of the brass sheet as possible without affecting the material&#;s quality.

Choose the right cutting gas&#;for brass, nitrogen is the best choice, as this gas can mechanically remove the cut metal, once it is in its molten state effectively. Nitrogen also helps prevent the metal from forming back again after the laser has passed through.

Material size&#;You need to be aware of the material size you&#;re working with, as you will need to use the right tools and equipment, such as a machine with the right bed size to accommodate the sheet metal in question.

Sheet metal fabricators

Offering you precision, speed, efficiency, and a cost-effective brass cutting solution, the team at Morfabrication are experts in the field of laser cutting sheet metal.

We work with your design specifications and can handle even the most intricate and complex cuts.

Providing you with a finished project that is clean, has smooth edges, minimal burring, and a production process that causes minimal waste.

If you have a project coming up that requires precision fabrication, contact the team at Morfabrication today to see how we can help.

Introduction

The ability to laser cut brass with the latest Trumpf Fiber laser cutting machines used by GF Laser has expanded it&#;s use over the past few years.

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is known for its corrosion resistance, malleability, and excellent thermal conductivity. These properties make it a preferred choice for numerous applications including architecture where it&#;s use has greatly increased over the past few years .

Design Considerations

When designing for laser cut brass, several critical considerations come into play to ensure the final product meets your requirements:

• Material Thickness: The thickness of the brass sheet affects the laser&#;s cutting capability and the level of detail you can achieve. Thinner sheets allow for more intricate designs, but thicker sheets provide greater structural strength. It&#;s essential to balance these factors based on the project&#;s requirements.
• Kerf Width: The kerf refers to the amount of material that the laser removes as it cuts. This width can vary slightly depending on the laser&#;s settings and the brass&#;s thickness. Designers must account for the kerf in their designs, especially when creating interlocking parts or precise fittings.
• Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): The intense heat from the laser can alter the properties of brass around the cut, known as the Heat Affected Zone. This effect can cause slight discoloration or warping, which designers should consider when planning their projects, particularly for aesthetic pieces.
• Minimum Feature Size: The power and precision of the laser cutter set limitations on the minimum size of features that can be cut out. Small details may not be accurately rendered if they fall below this size, so it&#;s crucial to design with the capabilities of your laser cutter in mind.

Optimizing Designs for Cutting

To optimize a design for laser cutting in brass, follow these best practices:

• Simplify Complex Details: While intricate designs are possible, overly complex details may not cut cleanly. Simplifying designs without compromising the overall aesthetic can lead to better results.
• Use Bridges and Tabs: For designs with delicate parts, incorporating bridges and tabs can help maintain structural integrity during and after cutting.
• Test Cuts: Before committing to the final cut, performing test cuts on small sections of the design can help identify any issues with the design or settings, allowing for adjustments without wasting material.

Collaborating with Manufacturers

Working closely with your laser cutting service provider can yield valuable insights into optimizing your design. They can offer advice on material choices, cutting settings, and design adjustments based on their experience and the specific capabilities of their equipment.

Designing for laser cut brass combines artistic vision with technical considerations. By understanding the intricacies of the material and the cutting process, designers can push the boundaries of what&#;s possible, creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also precisely executed and functionally sound.

GF Laser have wide ranging experience in cutting brass, to get a free quotation of for general advice please contact a member of the sales team today.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fiber Laser Uncoiler Production Line.