Laser Cutting Processing Parameters Reference
A shop workflow for recording validated power, feed, focus, gas, nozzle, and pierce settings before they are reused in quotes or production programs.
Parameter Inputs to Record
Store the source and validation status for each setting before it becomes a quote assumption.
| Input | Source to Record | Value and Unit to Record | Validation Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material grade and thickness | Material certificate or purchase record and job traveler | Exact grade/condition; actual thickness in mm (record nominal or measured) | Match the certificate, stock lot, and thickness used for the sample. |
| Machine configuration | Machine, cutting head, optics, controller, and approved chart record | Machine ID/model, head/lens ID, and chart or program revision | Confirm the installed hardware and active controller recipe match the record. |
| Power setting | Machine cut chart, controller library, or approved program | Record the controller unit (% or W as displayed); distinguish optical rating from electrical input. | Confirm penetration, edge condition, heat input, and repeatability on a sample cut. |
| Cutting feed | CAM post, NC program, or controller log | mm/min or m/min; preserve the source unit and mark programmed versus measured feed. | Time the cut and inspect dross, discoloration, taper, and dimensional result. |
| Focus position | Setup sheet, lens record, and operator adjustment log | Offset in mm from the machine’s stated datum; keep its sign convention. | Record top and bottom edge quality after the focus is approved. |
| Nozzle and standoff | OEM setup table, nozzle inspection, and machine setup record | Nozzle type and orifice diameter in mm; nozzle-to-work distance in mm. | Retest after nozzle replacement, cleaning, crash, or alignment work. |
| Assist gas | Machine cut chart, supply specification, regulator record, and flow meter | Gas; pressure in bar or psi with gauge/absolute basis; flow in L/min or m³/h with actual/standard basis. | Match gas quality, supply limits, and accepted edge; pressure alone does not establish flow. |
| Pierce and job timing | Controller program, pierce table, and timed sample | Pierce count (count), delays and gas-on segments (s), elapsed job time (s or min). | Use the same timing boundaries as the cycle-time estimate; separate setup from machine cycle. |
| Sample result and approval | First-article inspection and customer drawing/specification | Inspection result in drawing units; sample/lot ID, operator, date, and approval scope. | Release only for the material, configuration, and acceptance scope actually verified. |
Parameter Workflow
Keep programming, quoting, and QA in lockstep.
- 1. Capture machine documentation. Start from the active cut chart, controller library, OEM support note, or approved NC program for the exact material and finish requirement.
- 2. Validate with a coupon. Cut a sample, record edge quality, kerf, burr, discoloration, pierce behavior, and cycle time, then save the revision.
- 3. Push downstream. Feed the approved parameter set into the laser cutting calculator, reference gas setup with the assist gas guide, and convert feed with the cutting speeds reference.
Example: Requalify After a Nozzle Change
Copy the last released recipe into a new revision, then record the installed nozzle, measured standoff, material lot and thickness, and source units. Cut and inspect a sample against the same drawing criteria; record the result and approval status before using the revision in a quote. Mark missing values as pending verification rather than deriving them from a neighboring setup.
How to Use This Reference
This page is a parameter logging checklist. It intentionally avoids public machine ranges because the correct settings depend on your exact optics, gas delivery, material, program, and acceptance criteria.
Material Setup Notes
Mild steel
Record whether the edge is allowed to oxidize or needs secondary cleanup before painting or welding.
Stainless steel
Record nitrogen supply, purity requirement, surface finish, and discoloration acceptance criteria.
Aluminum
Record supported alloy, reflectivity concerns, edge quality, and any coating or masking requirement.
Copper and brass
Record whether the machine supports the alloy, reflective-risk controls, and customer finish requirement.
Parameter Review Guide
Power and Feed Relationship
Change one variable at a time and record the resulting cut quality. A faster feed is useful only when the part still meets fit, finish, and inspection requirements.
Focus and Nozzle Control
Record focus, nozzle diameter, nozzle condition, standoff, and lens status together. Revalidate the setup after maintenance or a hardware change.
Gas Pressure and Flow
Use your cut chart, gas supplier data, flow meter, and edge inspection to approve gas settings. Keep gas cost assumptions visible in the quote.
Production Approval
Save the parameter set with the operator, date, machine, material record, sample result, and approval status so estimators can reuse it confidently.
Common Issues and Review Path
Issue: Excessive dross
Check gas delivery, focus, speed, nozzle condition, standoff, and material surface before changing the quote input.
Issue: Rough or wavy edge
Review feed, power, gas stability, beam quality, optics cleanliness, and whether the finish requirement changed.
Issue: Incomplete or interrupted cut
Check material thickness, power availability, focus drift, pierce routine, and surface contamination.
Issue: Discoloration or oxidation
Review gas type, gas quality, pressure record, leaks, feed, and whether secondary finishing should be quoted.
A parameter set is a process record
This reference is useful when a shop needs to explain why a feed or power value was trusted, and when it should be tested again before it reaches a quote.
Power, feed, focus, nozzle, gas, and quality observations only make sense as one recipe tied to a material and thickness. A single attractive setting is not enough evidence.
Treat every row as local process knowledge. A machine, lens, nozzle, gas supply, material source, or acceptance change can make an old row unsuitable without changing its written values.