Views: 0 Author: Kevin Publish Time: 2025-04-11 Origin: www.tianchengroup.com
In the world of precision metal fabrication, smooth edges and clean cuts are critical. Yet one common issue manufacturers face is the formation of burrs—rough, raised edges or spatter that appear after cutting metal with a fiber laser machine. Burrs can compromise product quality, increase post-processing time, and lead to material waste. If you're wondering, "Why is my fiber laser cutting machine producing burrs on metal edges?" this article provides in-depth, practical answers.
At Tianchen Laser, we’ve spent over 30 years engineering and manufacturing high-performance fiber laser cutting systems, including flatbed laser cutters, tube fiber laser cutters, enclosed models, and our 2-in-1 sheet and tube laser cutting machines. We've helped thousands of industrial businesses across sectors such as construction, metal fabrication, and heavy machinery troubleshoot this exact issue.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the possible causes of burrs in laser cutting and how to fix them efficiently.
Burrs are small projections or excess material that form along the cut edge of a metal sheet or tube after laser processing. They are undesirable because they can interfere with assembly, reduce the aesthetic appeal of the final product, and require additional deburring steps.
In fiber laser cutting, burrs generally indicate that the laser cutting process isn’t fully optimized—either due to incorrect parameters, mechanical issues, or material inconsistencies. Eliminating burrs depends on understanding the variables affecting cut quality.
One of the most common reasons for burrs is an improper focus position. If the laser head is either too close or too far from the material surface, the beam won’t penetrate efficiently. Instead of creating a clean cut, it causes molten material to accumulate and solidify on the cut edge.
Using a fiber laser cutter with an auto-focus laser head, like those integrated in Tianchen Laser machines, can automatically adjust focus during cutting, maintaining optimal distance even on uneven sheets or different material thicknesses.
When your cutting speed is too slow, the laser dwells longer at each point on the material. This prolonged exposure causes more molten metal to be expelled, which can cool unevenly and form burrs. Slower speeds also increase the risk of heat buildup, distorting the edge.
On the other hand, excessively high speeds may result in incomplete cuts. So, there must be a precise balance tailored to each material type and thickness.
Assist gas plays a vital role in expelling molten material from the kerf (cut groove). If the gas pressure is too low, the molten metal won’t be blown away effectively, resulting in residual buildup. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, it can cause edge roughness or even burn marks.
For stainless steel and aluminum, using nitrogen gas can help achieve oxidation-free cuts. For mild steel, oxygen is typically preferred to enhance the cutting efficiency through a chemical reaction. Tianchen Laser’s high-power laser cutters allow for gas type switching depending on your specific cutting needs.
Different metals behave differently under laser beams. For instance, stainless steel and aluminum are more reflective and require different settings compared to mild steel. Heavier materials demand more power and slower speeds, but they also increase the risk of burrs if not configured correctly.
Our fiber sheet metal cutting machines are engineered to handle a variety of metals, including galvanized steel, carbon steel, copper, aluminum, and nickel plate. However, each requires optimized parameters for burr-free results.
Inadequate laser power may lead to incomplete penetration, causing jagged or burred edges. Excessive power, on the other hand, can overheat the material and increase dross formation. Matching the right wattage to the material thickness is crucial.
At Tianchen Laser, we offer fiber laser cutters from 1kW to 20kW, giving manufacturers full control over energy input. A high-wattage machine is not always better—it’s the accuracy of the settings that matters.
A damaged or misaligned nozzle affects the shape of the gas jet and laser beam path. This misdirection reduces the effectiveness of the cutting process and leads to inconsistent kerfs with burrs along the edges.
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the nozzle, lens, and protective glass are essential practices to maintain top-tier cut quality.
Advanced CNC control systems, such as those integrated in Tianchen’s laser machines, manage speed, laser power modulation, and motion path precision. If the programming is outdated or improperly set, it can lead to timing issues between the beam and the material movement, causing burrs.
Our CNC controllers come with intuitive interfaces and smart libraries, enabling auto-parameter recommendations based on metal type and thickness. That helps even inexperienced operators maintain consistent results.
An auto-focus cutting head ensures that the laser beam maintains the correct standoff distance, especially when transitioning between materials of different thicknesses. It not only improves edge finish but also boosts cutting speed and reduces downtime.
Using the correct assist gas and maintaining steady pressure is critical. Make sure the supply is clean, and inspect valves for leaks. Adjust gas flow rates based on the type of metal and laser power.
A reliable control system allows real-time adjustments, accurate beam movement, and flawless coordination between the laser and cutting table. Our enclosed fiber laser machines are equipped with CNC platforms optimized for both thin and thick sheet metals.
Preventive maintenance helps avoid performance degradation. Inspect the lens, check for nozzle wear, clean the beam path, and make sure your software is up to date.
It’s essential to create cutting parameter libraries for different materials and thicknesses. Variables like laser power, speed, frequency, duty cycle, and assist gas must be tested and refined over time.
At Tianchen Laser, we offer full training and setup support for every customer, helping you fine-tune your fiber laser cutter based on your specific production demands.
Burr formation is one of the clearest indicators that your fiber laser cutting process is out of alignment. While it may seem like a minor problem at first, it can significantly impact product quality and operational efficiency if ignored.
By understanding the root causes—whether it’s focus alignment, gas pressure, power levels, or CNC control—and taking corrective actions, you can drastically reduce burrs and elevate your cutting results.
At Tianchen Laser, our commitment to quality goes beyond delivering high-performance machines. We work closely with industrial clients to provide the knowledge, tools, and support needed to maximize your laser cutting investment.
If you're experiencing edge burrs on your metal parts, it’s time to evaluate your current cutting process and explore our advanced fiber laser cutting solutions. Reach out to Tianchen Laser today and let our expertise help you cut cleaner, faster, and smarter.
