The Role of Nitrogen Gas in the Laser Cutting Industry and the Benefits of PSA-Type Nitrogen Generators for the Industry

Laser cutting technology, one of the most important cornerstones of the metalworking industry, is gaining increasing importance and prominence in the modern manufacturing world. Laser cutting machines, which offer speed, flexibility, and high precision, are used in many sectors such as machinery manufacturing, automotive, home appliances, furniture, construction, and others.
In laser cutting operations, the auxiliary gases used in laser cutting machines (particularly nitrogen, oxygen, and mixed gases) directly affect both the quality and cost of the process. Nitrogen (N2), which plays a significant role among the auxiliary gases used in cutting, stands out for the quality advantages it provides, especially when cutting stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals. 
Businesses that perform laser cutting but do not have their own nitrogen generator systems typically source nitrogen gas in two different ways. They obtain it externally in the form of liquid nitrogen (bulk nitrogen) or high-pressure cylinder bundles (also known by various names such as “manifold” or “bundle”). However, due to advancing technology and cost pressures on laser cutting companies, the use of PSA-type nitrogen generators—which enable the on-site production or supply of nitrogen gas, one of the largest cost items, in a much more economical manner—is increasing day by day.

This article will examine in detail the role of nitrogen in laser cutting machines, as well as the benefits and advantages that PSA-type nitrogen generator systems can provide to the laser cutting industry.

The Importance of Assisting Gases in Laser Cutting Machines

The assisting gases used in laser cutting machines (CO₂ and Fiber) directly influence the effect of the laser beam on the workpiece. The type, purity, cleanliness, and pressure of the assisting gas directly affect cutting speed, edge quality, burr formation, and color changes along the cut edges.

OXYGEN

Used in carbon steel cutting. It provides a high-quality cut edge but causes the formation of an oxidized layer on the cut edges.

NITROGEN

In the laser cutting of stainless steel materials, the use of nitrogen gas prevents oxidation and discoloration issues on the cut surfaces. It is crucial that the nitrogen gas used for stainless steel cutting has a high purity level. The high-purity nitrogen gas produced by AIRON Industrial’s nitrogen generator systems guarantees a bright, burr-free, and color-consistent cut surface.

During the laser cutting of aluminum materials, the oxygen present in the environment causes the cut surface to oxidize and turn yellow. The use of nitrogen in aluminum cutting not only prevents this yellowing but also, thanks to nitrogen gas’s cooling properties, helps prevent the formation of burrs during the cutting process.

In the laser cutting of mild steel materials, particularly due to rising costs and increased operational pressure in recent years, carbon steel materials—which were previously cut with oxygen—are now being cut with nitrogen gas using high-kW fiber lasers. Cutting with nitrogen gas allows for cutting speeds that are 2-3 times higher than those achieved with oxygen, as well as a higher-quality cut surface. Nitrogen gas is now frequently preferred, particularly for carbon steel materials that will be painted afterward, as it prevents the formation of scale on the cut edges.

Problems Caused by Traditional Nitrogen Supply Methods in Laser Cutting Operations

In the laser cutting industry, nitrogen supply is typically provided via liquid nitrogen tanks or high-pressure cylinders. Both methods inherently have significant drawbacks:

High Cost: Whether using liquid nitrogen or high-pressure cylinder bundles, the cost of the supplied nitrogen gas will remain a major expense within your company’s total operating costs.Logistical Challenges: Delays or issues during tanker refilling or the transportation and delivery of high-pressure cylinder bundles can lead to production interruptions. 

Storage Requirements: A large amount of space is required to store backup cylinder sets and tanks to prevent potential disruptions.

Losses: In liquid nitrogen applications, evaporation and the release of nitrogen in the gaseous phase from the tank into the atmosphere during filling, as well as the return of the portion remaining below the minimum operating pressure in pressurized cylinders, result in costs for businesses due to unusable nitrogen.

Safety Risks: High-pressure cylinders pose safety risks.

Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of liquid nitrogen consume significant amounts of energy.

Advantages of Using PSA Nitrogen Generators in Laser Cutting Operations

The main advantages that PSA generators offer to the laser cutting industry are as follows:

On-Site Production: Nitrogen is produced on-site, eliminating external dependency.

Low Cost: Provides savings of up to 70%.

High Purity Control: Production is possible within a purity range of 99% to 99.9999%.

Uninterrupted Operation: 24/7 production is possible.

Modular Design: New modules can be added as capacity needs increase.

Safety: Risks associated with cylinders and tankers are eliminated.

Environmental Sustainability: The carbon footprint is reduced, and logistics requirements are eliminated.