Bevel

Angled Laser Cutting

Laser cutting, as an effective and high-precision method of metal processing, is widely used in various fields of activity. However, modern industry requires greater flexibility, as in a highly competitive environment it is necessary to create high-quality products of various shapes, including those with complex geometry. Therefore, angled laser cutting is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows for increased productivity, acceleration of production cycles, expansion of manufacturing capabilities, and improvement of the quality of finished products.

The integration of angled laser cutting technology into the production process enhances manufacturing efficiency and provides manufacturers with a competitive advantage.

The Principle of Angled Laser Cutting

Angled laser cutting is a high-precision metal processing procedure that involves creating a beveled edge. Instead of standard perpendicular cutting at a 90∘ angle, a chamfer cut is performed at a specified acute angle up to 45∘ in a single step.

The technology is used for preparing edges for welding, creating complex bevels, V-shaped, X-shaped, and other chamfer forms.

At its core, angled metal cutting is standard laser cutting, where a focused light beam of high density is used as the thermal resource. The laser is directed along a predefined path and heats the material to its melting temperature, forming a clean cut. The only difference is that the cutting is performed using a special cutting head that rotates and tilts relative to the metal surface to achieve the desired angle.

The structure of an angled cutting machine:

• Laser source – the active medium where the laser beam is generated;
• Optional laser head – allows focusing the beam at the necessary angle;
• Working area – for positioning and securing the material for cutting;
• Assist gas – supplied under pressure to remove molten metal from the cutting zone;
• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) – helps accurately set the angle, configure cutting parameters, and direct the laser beam onto the material.

The cutting process is controlled by a program developed for each project. It takes into account speed, power, tilt angle, and other parameters.

LD Laser angled metal cutting machines are suitable for processing various metals, including steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, and other alloys. They are used to create chamfers for welding, resulting in stronger joints, and complex products with a smooth, neat edge that does not require additional grinding. The equipment allows for the automation of the production process and increases efficiency through high precision, cutting speed, and repeatability, which is especially important for serial production of parts of the same size and the manufacturing of custom products.

Features of Angled Laser Cutting

Compared to ordinary perpendicular cutting, angled laser cutting has a number of technological features that make the process more complex.

Specificity of angled cutting:

• Laser head tilt – the cutting head rotates and tilts thanks to the axes, allowing chamfers to be cut at angles from 0∘ to 45∘;
• Materials – metals with reflective properties, such as aluminum or copper, are quite difficult to process because they reflect, rather than absorb, most of the energy; therefore, fiber lasers are required for angled cutting;
• Metal thickness limitations – when processing thick materials, small defects are possible due to the increased thickness of the cut;
• Laser power – angled cutting involves a longer path for the light beam, and the greater the tilt angle, the greater the load on the laser; therefore, more powerful equipment is required to achieve a quality cut;
• Beam focusing – for effective and precise cutting when the angle changes, it is necessary to constantly correct the focal distance, as the focal points may shift;
• Heat affected zone – angled cutting can influence energy distribution, so precise adjustment of all parameters is important to prevent material deformation.

Despite any complexities, angled laser cutting technology makes the production process more flexible and efficient, especially when manufacturing products of non-standard shapes and welded structures, as it allows for precise bevels and complex cuts.

Advantages of Angled Laser Cutting

Angled laser cutting, which allows for cuts at an incline, is becoming increasingly popular in the metal processing industry. This is relevant when preparing products for welding, creating chamfers, and complex shapes. The technology expands the possibilities of laser metal processing, reducing the number of operations and accelerating production.

Why angled cutting is in demand:

• High precision – the laser cuts at an incline with maximum precision, so the edge geometry matches the product model;
• Production acceleration – a multifunctional machine performs cutting and edge processing in one step, which reduces the number of operations and shortens the production cycle;
• Smooth edge – angled cutting provides a clear cut and a smooth edge without burrs or slag, eliminating the need for subsequent processing;
• Production efficiency – a correctly prepared chamfer helps increase the strength of welded joints, ensuring no gaps and a neat seam;
• Complex geometry – the laser is capable of cutting not only sheet material but also bent blanks, pipes, beams, I-beams, and other products at an angle, creating complex cuts, holes, grooves, V-, X-, K-, Y-chamfers;
• Flexibility and versatility – the technology is suitable for working with various materials and allows for an oblique cut at the required angle;
• Reduction of operating costs – high precision and optimal placement of elements reduce waste and minimize expenses;
• Aesthetics – angled cutting can be used to create decorative elements and unique products, which is especially relevant in architecture and design.

Angled metal cutting simplifies the assembly of structures and helps to enhance their strength and stability.

During processing, the laser beam locally heats and melts the material along a predefined contour without direct contact with the processed surface. The absence of mechanical impact allows for precise and smooth cuts without deforming or damaging the product. Furthermore, the automated program simplifies process control, helps monitor cutting quality, and minimizes the influence of the human factor, which reduces the likelihood of errors and minimizes the number of defects.

Application of Angled Cutting in Various Industries

Angled metal laser cutting helps manufacture products of complex and non-standard shapes, increasing the strength of welded joints, and improving the quality and appearance of finished products. Therefore, this technology is indispensable in various industries.

Where angled laser cutting is used:

• Metal processing – cutting pipes, I-beams, profiles, and sheets at the required angle to obtain stronger joints during welding and the manufacturing of various structures;
• Aerospace industry – processing strong metals and alloys with strict adherence to tolerances, enhancing structural rigidity;
• Machine and automotive engineering – production of parts and components requiring high precision and repeatability, processing complex-shaped products, and preparing components for welding and assembly;
• Construction and architecture – cutting and processing profiles for frameworks, facade elements, railings, stairs, and decorative components for precise fitting, increasing structural strength, and improving aesthetics;
• Energy sector – preparation of pipes for laying pipelines, manufacturing supports and structures;
• Manufacturing – production of housing elements and various parts;
• Advertising and design – creating reliable joints in advertising structures.

Angled laser cutting is a universal metal processing method that allows achieving high repeatability, accuracy of bevels, and strength of welded joints. The technology is used for forming chamfers during material nesting, oblique cutting of round and square profile pipes, and manufacturing parts with complex geometry. It helps reduce defects and waste in the production process.

Angled Laser Cutting Technique

High-precision angled laser cutting technology involves processing metal at an incline, whereas standard laser cutting implies straight and curved cuts along a predefined path. The method allows for cuts at various angles and complex geometric contours without additional equipment or other operations. This helps improve the quality of manufactured products and optimize the production process.

Stages of angled cutting:

1. Preparation. A digital model of the product is created, cutting parameters and the type of chamfer are defined. The tilt angle and cutting depth are calculated. All this data is contained in the developed control program.
2. Machine setup. Accurate cutting at an angle of 0∘ to 45∘ is possible after the correct adjustment of all parameters, particularly speed and power, setting the tilt angle, and checking the focus of the laser beam.
3. Material placement. A flat metal sheet, pipe, or profile should be securely fastened to the workbench or in the equipment’s chucks.
4. Angled cutting. A powerful laser beam is directed onto the material, burning and melting it along the specified line and maintaining the required tilt angle. Following this, a stream of assist gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, blows the molten metal out of the processing zone. This forms a clean, smooth, and neat cut that does not require additional grinding or milling.

Thanks to the software, it is possible to continuously control the position and movement of the laser head, the power of the light beam, and the cutting speed. The type and thickness of the metal are also necessarily taken into account.

Equipment for Angled Laser Cutting

An angled laser cutting machine is a high-precision multi-axis equipment designed for non-contact processing of various metals and metal alloys using a powerful laser beam. The machine is controlled by a computer program, minimizing operator involvement in the cutting process. This eliminates human error and increases safety in production.

A distinctive feature of the angled cutting machine is the rotating cutting head, which can change the angle of inclination of the light beam relative to the material surface. This allows the device to create chamfers and complex volumetric contours in a single production cycle. The equipment is equipped with a CNC system that manages not only the movement of the laser but also the angles of inclination, directing the light beam onto the material at a predefined angle.

For accurate angled cutting, it is necessary to properly configure the equipment, maintain the cleanliness of the optics, and monitor the condition of all units and systems.

When choosing a laser cutting machine, the following technical characteristics should be considered to select equipment that meets production requirements:

• Laser power – the thicker the material planned for angled cutting, the more powerful the equipment should be;
• Type of laser source – fiber machines are more powerful;
• Design – determines which products and blanks can be processed;
• Maximum permissible material thickness;
• Working table size – for working with sheet material;
• Positioning accuracy and X/Y axis change – affects repeatability, adherence to the drawing, and the quality of the finished part, optimizing nesting;
• Cutting speed.

The Chinese manufacturer of metal laser cutting machines LD LASER offers innovative solutions for creating a high-quality chamfer and a clean angled cut without jagged edges. The factory implements modern technologies to enhance the precision, speed, and power of laser devices. The equipment has received CE and ROHS conformity certificates and is reliable, high-precision, and durable.

Angled metal cutting machines are equipped with CNC and a special system for angled cuts, allowing different types of cuts to be performed in a single cycle. The 0∘–45∘ angled cutting process is fully automated, minimizing the probability of human error. Thanks to the focused narrow laser beam, angled cutting is performed with maximum precision without material deformation.

The equipment is suitable for processing various metals, including steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, and other alloys. It allows the manufacturing of parts with chamfers, grooves, and complex joints for both mass production and individual orders.

LD Laser company in Dnipro is the official Ukrainian representative of the Chinese manufacturer of laser cutting machines. We offer reliable modern machines for angled cutting, ensuring precision, repeatability, and high production speed. We help select equipment suitable for your production tasks. We provide consultations on the operation and setup of machines, and offer technical maintenance to ensure stable operation without failures.

If you need high-quality angled metal cutting, choose LD Laser machines to increase productivity, expand production capabilities, and improve the quality of manufactured products. To get a consultation, calculate the equipment cost according to your requirements, and place an order, contact our specialists by phone, via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, or fill out the contact form on the website, and we will call you back to clarify the details of your request.

An angled metal cutting machine is a profitable investment for any enterprise focused on shortening the production cycle and costs, ensuring the strength of welded joints, and production flexibility.