#CUT QUALITY ISSUE
Poor Piercing
Piercing instability or failure to penetrate the material effectively.


- Piercing takes too long or fails to break through the material
- Excessive spatter during piercing contaminates nozzle and lens
- Irregular or oversized entry hole compared to kerf width
- Machine alarm during the piercing process
Incorrect Parameters
Low power, high speed or improper focus setting prevents full penetration through the material thickness.
Gas Pressure Issues
Gas pressure too low or unstable during piercing fails to eject molten material effectively from the kerf.
Nozzle Problems
Worn or incorrect nozzle size causes poor gas flow dynamics and reduced piercing efficiency.
Lens Contamination
Contaminated protective lens reduces beam quality and power delivery at the cutting surface.
Beam Misalignment
Beam not centered through the nozzle axis causes asymmetric energy distribution and poor pierce quality.
| Parameter | Poor Piercing (Typical) | Recommended Range | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | Too Low | Increase 10-20% | Stronger piercing ability |
| Piercing Time | Too Short | Increase 20-50% | More stable penetration |
| Focus Position | Incorrect (Too High) | -1 ~ +1 mm | Optimal focus point |
| Gas Pressure | Too Low / Unstable | 0.8-1.2 bar | Stable gas flow |
| Nozzle Diameter | Too Large / Worn | Use correct size | Better gas velocity |
| Assist Gas | Air / Nitrogen / O₂ | Oxygen (Recommended) | Better oxidation & removal |
- Always check nozzle condition and lens cleanliness before each shift
- Log gas pressure readings every 4 hours during production runs
- Replace protective lenses every 200 hours of cutting time
- Schedule weekly focus and beam alignment checks
Engineering Tip: For thick plate piercing, use a lower cutting speed with optimized oxygen pressure and slightly negative focus position. Ensure lens and nozzle are clean and in good condition. Regular inspection of nozzle condition and lens cleanliness before each shift can prevent up to 70% of piercing-related issues.
Still Having Piercing Problems?
Our team of laser cutting specialists is ready to help you optimize your cutting process. Send us your material specs and we'll provide a tailored solution.
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