Structural Steel
This material yields good results when cut with oxygen. When oxygen is used as the process gas, the cut edge undergoes slight oxidation. For plates up to 4mm thick, high-pressure cutting using nitrogen as the process gas is possible; in this case, the cut edge remains free of oxidation. For plates thicker than 10mm, using a special nozzle and applying oil to the workpiece surface during processing can yield better results.
Stainless Steel
Oxygen may be used if oxidation of the cut edge is acceptable; nitrogen is used to obtain an oxidation-free, burr-free edge that requires no further processing. Applying a thin film of oil to the plate surface improves piercing performance without compromising processing quality.
Aluminum
Despite high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, aluminum up to 6mm thick can be cut, depending on the alloy type and laser capabilities. Oxygen cutting results in a rough, hard cut surface, whereas nitrogen cutting yields a smooth surface. Pure aluminum is extremely difficult to cut due to its high purity; cutting is only possible if the system is equipped with a "reflection absorption" device. Otherwise, reflected light will damage the optical components.
Titanium
Titanium sheets are cut using argon or nitrogen as the process gas. Other parameters are similar to those for nickel-chromium steel.
Copper and Brass
Both materials exhibit high reflectivity and excellent thermal conductivity. Brass up to 1mm thick can be cut using nitrogen; copper up to 2mm thick can be cut, but oxygen must be used as the process gas. Cutting copper and brass is only possible if the system is equipped with a "reflection absorption" device; otherwise, reflected light will damage the optical components.