Laser Cutting Programming Tips Guide

Nesting Efficiency Benchmarks: Professional CAM software can achieve 75-85% material utilization on mixed part batches versus 60-70% for manual nesting. For high-volume production runs of identical parts, optimal nesting patterns can reach 90%+ utilization. The cost impact is substantial—improving from 70% to 80% utilization on $2,000/ton stainless steel saves $200,000 annually for shops processing 100 tons/year.

Common-Line Cutting: When adjacent parts share edges, common-line cutting eliminates duplicate cuts and reduces processing time by 15-30%. However, this technique requires precise parameters—too much heat input causes parts to weld together, too little causes incomplete separation. Optimal common-line gap: 0.1-0.3mm for thin materials (<3mm), 0.3-0.5mm for thick materials (3-12mm). Use micro-joints (0.5-2.0mm tabs) every 200-300mm to prevent parts from shifting during cutting.

Corner Handling: Sharp corners (angles <45°) accumulate heat and cause overburn. Advanced programming uses automatic corner deceleration—reducing speed to 50-70% within 5-10mm of corner apex. Alternative approach: replace programmed sharp corners with small radius (0.1-0.3mm) arcs that maintain continuous motion while preventing heat accumulation. This technique improves corner quality by 40-60% and reduces processing time compared to full stop-and-go approaches.

Small Hole Programming: Holes with diameter less than material thickness require special treatment. Standard approach: pierce outside hole perimeter and spiral inward. Advanced technique: use pulsed piercing with gradually increasing power (start at 50%, ramp to 100% over 0.5s) to minimize splash and heat-affected zone. For holes <0.8× thickness, reduce cutting speed by 30-50% and increase gas pressure by 15-25% to ensure complete melt ejection.