Nozzles and Process Tips for Laser Machines
Nozzles and process tips are important process and consumable components in many types of industrial laser systems. Depending on the laser process and equipment, they can be used to direct process gas, cutting gas or shielding gas, position a processing head in relation to the workpiece, guide filler material or contribute to a stable and repeatable process.
LMI AB supplies nozzles and process tips for a wide range of laser machines, laser heads and applications. Our range includes components for laser cutting, laser welding and other industrial laser processes. We can also help identify the correct version based on the machine, laser head, application or existing component.
Nozzles for Different Laser Processes
The function of a nozzle varies depending on the laser process in which it is used. A cutting nozzle, for example, has different requirements from a process tip used for handheld laser welding, while in other laser processes a nozzle may be used to direct process gas, shielding gas or other media around the processing area.
Nozzles and process tips may be used in systems for applications including:
- laser cutting
- laser welding
- laser brazing
- laser cleaning
- laser ablation and surface treatment
- other customised laser processes
Not all laser systems use a process nozzle, and its function can vary considerably between different machines and applications. The correct component must therefore always be selected according to the specific system and process.
Nozzles for Laser Cutting
During laser cutting, the laser beam is focused onto the material while cutting gas is directed through the nozzle and into the cutting kerf. The gas helps remove molten material and, depending on the cutting process and gas, may also contribute to the cutting process itself.
The design and position of the nozzle in relation to the laser beam and workpiece are therefore important for maintaining a stable and symmetrical gas flow.
A correctly selected and undamaged cutting nozzle contributes to:
- stable and controlled gas flow
- consistent cutting quality
- high process reliability and repeatability
- efficient use of cutting gas
- stable cutting at high speeds and laser powers
Nozzle Geometry Affects the Cutting Process
Laser cutting nozzles are available in many different designs. The correct version depends on factors such as the cutting head, material, material thickness, cutting gas and process parameters.
Important characteristics include orifice diameter, nozzle geometry and whether a single- or double-layer nozzle is required. The distance between the nozzle and workpiece also affects the characteristics of the gas flow.
This means that two nozzles that appear almost identical are not necessarily interchangeable. The correct nozzle should always be selected according to the specific machine, cutting head and process.
The Right Cutting Nozzle for Gas and Material
Nozzle selection is closely related to the cutting gas and cutting process being used.
When cutting with nitrogen, the gas is primarily used to remove molten material from the cutting kerf. The process can require high gas flows and pressures, placing specific demands on nozzle diameter and geometry.
In oxygen cutting, oxygen actively contributes to the cutting process through an exothermic reaction with the material. Different process conditions are therefore used and the nozzle must be selected accordingly.
Material type, material thickness, laser power and required cutting quality also influence nozzle selection. Always follow the recommendations of the machine and cutting-head manufacturer, or contact LMI AB if you are unsure which nozzle to use.
Nozzles and Process Tips for Laser Welding
In laser welding, the nozzle or process tip can have different functions compared with laser cutting. Depending on the system, the component may be used to direct shielding gas, help the operator position the welding head in relation to the workpiece, or work together with filler wire and wire-feeding equipment.
Handheld laser welding systems use different nozzle geometries depending on joint type, welding position, material and whether welding is performed with or without filler material.
Different designs may, for example, be adapted for:
- butt joints
- lap joints
- corner joints
- different welding positions
- welding with filler wire
The correct process tip can make it easier to position the welding head and contribute to a more stable and repeatable welding process.
LMI AB supplies, among other products, welding nozzles and related consumables for handheld LightWELD systems from IPG Photonics.
Nozzles for Laser Brazing, Laser Cleaning and Other Processes
Nozzles and process tips can also form part of the processing head or associated equipment used around the laser beam in other laser processes.
In laser brazing, for example, a system may combine the laser beam with filler material and shielding gas. Nozzles and other process components must then be adapted to the brazing process, material and specific application.
In laser cleaning, laser ablation and other laser-based surface treatment processes, nozzles may in some systems be used for process gas, airflow or other functions around the processing area. The design varies considerably between different laser sources, optical systems and system solutions.
A nozzle should therefore not be regarded as a universal component. Its design, material, geometry and function must be matched to both the laser process and the specific equipment.
Materials and Designs
Nozzles and process tips for laser systems are manufactured in different materials and designs depending on the application and the requirements placed on the component.
Common characteristics that may differ between variants include:
- material
- geometry
- orifice diameter
- length and outside diameter
- thread and mounting
- gas flow and gas distribution
- adaptation for filler material or wire feeding
- compatibility with the specific laser or processing head
A component that visually resembles the original may therefore not necessarily have the correct properties for the application.
Wear, Damage and Inspection
Nozzles and process tips are often positioned close to the laser process and may therefore be exposed to heat, spatter, particles, contamination and mechanical wear.
On laser cutting nozzles, a damaged, deformed or contaminated nozzle orifice can alter the gas flow and affect the cutting result. It is also important that the laser beam is correctly centred in relation to the nozzle orifice.
On process tips for handheld laser welding, wear or deformation can affect how the welding head is positioned in relation to the workpiece and consequently reduce process repeatability.
In other processes, damage or contamination may affect gas flow, positioning or other functions performed by the nozzle in the specific system.
Nozzles and process tips should therefore be inspected regularly and replaced when their condition can no longer ensure a stable and reliable process.
Nozzles for Different Laser Machines and Systems
LMI AB supplies nozzles, process tips and related consumables for a wide range of laser machines, laser heads and systems.
Our range includes components for equipment from manufacturers including:
Amada · Bystronic · HSG · Precitec · Prima Industries · Trumpf · IPG Photonics
In addition to the products and manufacturers presented on our website, LMI AB can assist with many other types of nozzles and process components.
Can’t Find the Nozzle or Process Tip You Need?
Not every nozzle, process tip and variant available from LMI AB is presented on our website.
If you are looking for a specific component, please provide as much information as possible, for example:
- machine manufacturer and model
- type of laser process
- manufacturer and model of the laser, cutting or processing head
- part number or other identification
- dimensions and design, if known
- photograph of the existing component
With the correct information, LMI AB can help identify a suitable component and reduce the risk of ordering the wrong part.
Nozzles as Consumable Components
Nozzles and process tips are often consumable components that can have a direct impact on the quality and stability of the laser process. Regular inspection and replacement when required can contribute to more stable processes and reduce the risk of quality problems and unplanned production interruptions.
LMI AB also supplies protective windows, laser optics and other consumables and critical spare parts for industrial laser systems.
Contact LMI AB about Nozzles and Process Tips
Do you need a nozzle or process tip for a laser machine, or help identifying the correct version?
Contact LMI AB with information about the machine, laser process and component currently in use. We will help you identify the correct product and provide information about pricing and availability.
