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Laser flashback is a defect where parts have weld points between the bottom of the material and the support structure. It can cause molten metal to erupt to the top surface of the part, causing puddle-shaped marring on the finished edge. This is a known problem with certain sheet metal cutting applications that utilize laser cutting slats. There are workarounds and solutions to avoid this.

When cutting material, the material must be supported underneath to be cut. This is true for lasers or for saws or any cutting process. In carpentry, when a board is cut, the carpenter will often use a sawhorse to support the board on both sides. This is important to cut over open air so that the saw does not cut into the supports underneath. With laser cutting, the material needs to be supported as well.

A laser cutter takes a focused beam of laser light and uses it to melt or vaporize the material. The laser is emitted from a cutting head where the beam of light is centered in a nozzle. A stream of compressed gas (like Shop Air, Nitrogen, Oxygen, or Argon) flows out of this nozzle. This gas pushes the molten material out of the cut width (also known as the kerf). The gas pressure, nozzle diameter, lens focus & centering, and nozzle standoff are among several parameters that are carefully controlled to ensure good cut quality.

Laser cutting parameters are carefully controlled to cut through the material at its specific thickness. When the laser light runs into the slat, the energy does not fully melt through it. As a result, it can partially melt the support slat. The flow of molten metal from the kerf at this point may act like a clog, and the assist gas will force this molten metal to come up to the top and may cause a small weld between the slat and the workpiece.

Why is Flashback bad?

For some non-surface critical applications, it may be acceptable to have small marks on the back surface of parts.

Even in these non-surface critical applications, flashback can wreak havoc with automated part removal.  The laser cutting slats will occasionally weld to the parts. This can reduce reliability of automated part removal.

The buildup of the material on the slats is called slag or dross. Those operating table lasers need to continually clean the slag off of the slats. Replacement of the slats will need to happen periodically. The slag build up or slat replacement can drive an inconsistent bed. This can cause more problems with a sheet not lying perfectly flat.

Surface critical parts have added concerns in that the flashback can cause parts to fail cosmetic standards due to marks on the bottom surface.

How does RDI Laser Blanking Systems eliminate flashback?

As opposed to a system like a table laser with laser cutting slats, RDI Laser Blanking Systems use an innovative approach. The system will eliminate flashback and surface scratching. There are many other benefits to this configuration to further improve sheet metal processing when compared to table lasers.

By continuously moving the slot in sync with the cutting head, the system is always cutting over open air, while the entire coil of material remains supported. Without slats and the risk of the laser colliding with them, the system prevents flashback. As an added benefit, the slot has the ability to open and close.  This feature allows for parts to be separated from slugs and smaller pieces of scrap, which are removed in a side out process. This helps streamline scrap removal.

Besides no scratching of parts, what are the other benefits?

Another key advantage is the ability to avoid tip ups. When laser cutting parts supported by laser cutting slats, it is critical that the part is supported in various points. As the part is cut from the sheet, part could tip depending on points of support. This can cause a major jam if the laser head were to run into it. It can also disrupt the finished part handling process. Part tip up is not an issue since the parts are supported by a conveyor belt instead of slats.

Improved exit part handling and automation is a great benefit.  The finished parts after cutting exit onto a handling conveyor outside the laser enclosure. A drop stacker, robotic stacker or other downstream process will handle the parts from the conveyor. With no flashback, the parts will be loose from other parts, allowing easier downstream handling.

Flashback can cause major issues in your sheet metal processing work. Laser cutting slats enables flashback opportunities. The RDI Coil-Fed Laser blanking technology can effectively laser cut your parts while eliminating flashback. Part and scrap separation will be streamlined, and moves into finished part handling.