Kinematic Cutting Feed Engine
Sheet Cutting Speed & Feed Calculator
Calculate recommended cutting speeds (m/min, mm/s, IPM), piercing delays, and assist gas pressure for fiber and CO2 laser cutters across steel, stainless, aluminum, and acrylic.
Machine & Material Selection
Laser Optical Power3.0 kW (3000W)
Workpiece Sheet Thickness3.0 mm (0.118")
Oxygen (O2)
Dross & Oxide Edge Dynamics
Exothermic reaction accelerates cutting. Keep oxygen pressure low (0.5-0.9 bar) to prevent burning corners.
Recommended Feed Rates
Target Cutting Velocity
6.4m / min
107 mm / sec•252 IPM
Piercing Dwell
0.84 sec
Direct blast pierceGas Flow Est.
~3.2 m³/h
At 0.8 bar nozzle exitOptimal Speed Band Boundaries
High-Quality Low Dross (85%):5.4 m/min
Nominal Production Speed:6.4 m/min
Maximum Separation Speed:7.4 m/min
Cutting Aerodynamics
The Role of Assist Gas Mechanics in Laser Cutting
1. Reactive Oxygen (O2) vs. Inert Nitrogen (N2)
Laser cutting is not merely optical ablation; it is a fluid dynamics process where molten slag must be stripped away from the kerf before resolidifying:
- Oxygen Assist (0.5 - 1.5 bar): Exothermically reacts with iron (Fe + O → FeO), providing up to 60% of the total thermal cutting energy. Allows cutting thick steel with low laser power, but leaves an oxide layer that must be pickled before powder coating.
- High-Pressure Nitrogen (14 - 20 bar): Purely mechanical melt ejection. The inert gas prevents oxidation, producing sparkling chrome-like edges ready for immediate welding or painting.
2. Nozzle Standoff & Diameter Calibration
Maintain a nozzle gap of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm above the sheet plate. Wider gaps cause supersonic shockwave boundary detachment, leading to turbulent gas dissipation and clinging bottom dross burrs.