Fiber Laser Cutting Machine In The Metal Furniture Application Solutions

The accelerated development of the metal furniture and household appliances industries has set higher standards for manufacturing efficiency and precision. When choosing products, consumers now consider functionality, appearance, and longevity. The limitations of traditional manufacturing methods in meeting these combined demands have increased the industry’s need for advanced technology. Fiber laser cutting machines have emerged as key equipment in metal furniture manufacturing. This article outlines the detailed application solutions of fiber laser cutting machines in the metal furniture and household appliances manufacturing industry.

Take a modern style metal dining table for example. The table frame cut using a fiber laser cutter has clean lines and precise angles. The table legs feature custom-designed cross-sections that not only provide stability, but also add a unique aesthetic. The machine’s ability to handle a wide range of metal thicknesses means that different parts of the table, from the thin decorative elements to the sturdy legs, can be cut with the same precision.

Fiber laser cutting machines truly excel in processing hollowed-out carved panels. The high power density of the laser beam allows for detailed engraving, creating beautiful patterns that enhance the visual appeal of the furniture. A classic example is metal room dividers with intricate floral patterns. Fiber laser cutters can finely engrave these patterns, making the partition a work of art that adds an element of elegance to any space.

Home Appliances

Fiber laser cutting machines are also indispensable in the field of household appliances. For refrigerator door frames, precise cutting is essential for a perfect fit, ensuring proper insulation and a smooth appearance. Laser cutting machines cut metal to exact dimensions without the need for extensive post-processing. This not only streamlines the assembly process but also enhances the overall quality of the equipment.

Air conditioner casings are another area where fiber laser cutting makes a significant difference. The smooth edges and accurate cuts achieved by these machines give the casings a professional and polished look. Moreover, the ability to cut complex shapes allows for better ventilation design, improving the performance of the air conditioners.

For washing machine drums, the high speed and precision cutting of fiber laser equipment ensures that the drums are both durable and efficient. The thin metal sheets used in the drum production process are cut with minimal distortion, resulting in a perfectly rounded and balanced drum that reduces noise and vibration during operation.

For a custom – made metal wine cabinet, the client may request a unique shape, size, and design. The fiber laser cutting machine can cut the metal sheets for the cabinet body, shelves, and doors with precision, ensuring that all parts fit together seamlessly. The machine’s flexibility also allows for the addition of special features, such as engraved logos or decorative patterns, giving the wine cabinet a truly one – of – a – kind look. Similarly, for artistic home appliance casings, designers can let their creativity run wild. The fiber laser cutting machine can cut out complex shapes and patterns, transforming ordinary appliances into pieces of art. This not only meets the growing demand for personalized products but also gives manufacturers a competitive edge in the market.

Structural Component Processing

When it comes to structural components in metal furniture, such as metal table legs and sofa frames, precision is of utmost importance. Fiber laser cutting machines offer high – precision blanking and splicing processes. The machines can cut the metal to the exact dimensions required, ensuring that each component fits together perfectly. This not only enhances the structural stability of the furniture but also reduces the need for additional adjustments during assembly.For example, in the production of a metal sofa frame, the fiber laser cutting machine cuts the metal pipes and sheets to the precise lengths and shapes. The joints are then welded together, resulting in a sturdy and reliable frame that can support the weight of the sofa and its users. The machine’s accuracy also means that the frame can be designed to be lightweight without sacrificing strength, making the sofa more portable and energy – efficient to transport.

Decorative Component Processing

Decorative components, such as hollow patterns and curved shapes, add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to metal furniture. Fiber laser cutting machines are capable of achieving even the most complex designs with ease. The high – resolution cutting ensures that the details of the patterns are sharp and clear, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the furniture. Consider a metal art bookshelf with a series of curved shelves and intricate hollow patterns. The fiber laser cutting machine can cut the metal sheets to form the curved shapes with smooth curves and precise angles. The hollow patterns are then cut with great detail, creating a visually stunning bookshelf that is both functional and decorative.

Case Comparison

Comparing traditional stamping processes with fiber laser cutting in furniture customization reveals significant differences in efficiency, cost, and design freedom. Traditional stamping requires the production of expensive molds, which are time – consuming to create and limit the flexibility of design. In contrast, fiber laser cutting machines can directly cut the metal according to digital designs, eliminating the need for molds. This not only saves time and cost but also allows for greater design freedom.

Shell Manufacturing

Fiber laser cutting machines play a vital role in achieving precise dimensional control and smooth edges in the production of appliance housings. In the production of refrigerator door frames, fiber laser cutting machines are able to achieve a cutting accuracy of ±0.05mm, ensuring that the door assembly is tightly fitted. According to tests, the Ra 3.2μm surface roughness produced by laser cutting (equivalent to the level of ordinary milling) can directly meet the assembly requirements, eliminating about 15% of the secondary deburring process in the traditional process; thus saving time and improving production efficiency.

Internal Component Processing

In the processing of thin-walled metal parts inside home appliances, fiber laser cutting shows significant advantages. Take the air conditioner heat sink as an example. Measured data shows that fiber laser equipment can cut aluminum foil fins with a thickness of 0.3mm at a speed of 12m/min, with dimensional tolerance controlled within ±0.1mm. This cutting accuracy improves heat dissipation efficiency by about 8% compared with the traditional stamping process. Therefore, for air conditioner radiators, fiber laser cutting machines can cut the fins to precise dimensions to ensure optimal heat dissipation.

For microwave oven cavity processing, a 5000W fiber laser cutting machine can form a 0.5mm-thick galvanized steel cavity in one go. The cut taper is less than 0.5°, and the surface oxide layer thickness is controlled within 20μm. In 2023, Midea Group (China)’s production report states that after adopting this process, the cavity assembly pass rate increased from 92% to 98.5%, and the processing time per unit was shortened by 40%.

Pipe Cutting

In metal furniture frame production, pipe cutting is a common process. Fiber laser cutting machines offer advanced multi – angle cutting technology for square and round pipes. This technology allows for the creation of complex frame structures with precise angles and connections. For example, in the production of a metal bicycle rack, the fiber laser cutting machine can cut the pipes at various angles to form the desired shape. The precise cuts ensure that the pipes fit together perfectly, creating a strong and stable rack. The machine’s ability to cut different pipe diameters and thicknesses also makes it suitable for a wide range of furniture applications.

Welding Integration

This technology enables efficient forming and connection of metal parts. This integration streamlines the production process, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional welding methods. In the manufacturing of a metal dining chair, the fiber laser cutting machine first cuts the metal sheets and pipes to the required shapes. Then, the laser welding technology is used to join the parts together. The high – precision cutting ensures that the parts fit together tightly, resulting in strong and durable welds. This process not only improves the production efficiency but also enhances the quality and appearance of the finished product.

Environmentally Friendly Processing

Fiber laser cutting is an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. It produces no dust, generates low noise, and meets the requirements of sustainable development in the appliance manufacturing industry. According to the EU EN ISO 3744 noise test standard, the working noise of fiber laser cutting machines is usually controlled within less than 75 dB, which is 20 dB lower than traditional plasma cutting (about 95 dB). This noise reduction is equivalent to a 99% reduction in noise energy. The advantage of no dust reduces the risk of respiratory diseases among workers and eliminates the need for expensive dust collection equipment.

In terms of material utilization, the Haier Zhijia case shows that the nesting programming of laser cutting can make the utilization rate of stainless steel plate reach 92%, which is about 15% higher than the utilization rate of traditional die stamping. A 2021 study in the Journal of Cleaner Production points out that the laser cutting process reduces the carbon footprint of a single product in the appliance manufacturing industry by 1.8kg CO₂ equivalent.

Precise cutting with fiber laser equipment reduces material waste and makes the production process more resource-efficient. In addition, its eco-friendly nature not only benefits the environment but also enhances the manufacturer’s brand image.

Incomplete Cutting

If the metal is not cut through completely, increasing the laser power or reducing the cutting speed can often solve the problem. Adjusting the power ensures that the metal is heated to the melting or vaporization point, while reducing the speed allows more time for the laser to penetrate the material.

Excessive Burrs

To address excessive burrs, adjusting the pressure of the assist gas can be effective. The assist gas helps to blow away the molten metal during the cutting process, resulting in cleaner edges. Increasing the gas pressure can improve the removal of burrs, but it should be adjusted carefully to avoid other issues such as blowouts.

Slag Adhesion

Optimizing the focal height of the laser can reduce slag adhesion. The focal height determines the position of the laser beam on the metal surface. By adjusting it to the optimal position, the laser energy is concentrated more effectively, reducing the amount of slag left on the cut surface.

Decreased Laser Power

When the laser power decreases, it could be due to various reasons, such as a malfunctioning laser generator or a dirty optical system. Checking the laser generator for any signs of damage or wear and cleaning the optical components can help diagnose and solve the problem. Regular maintenance of the laser generator, including replacing the cooling water and checking the power supply, can also prevent power – related issues.

Abnormal Vibration of the Cutting Head

Abnormal vibration of the cutting head may be caused by loose connections, worn – out bearings, or problems with the servo motor. Inspecting the mechanical connections, replacing any damaged bearings, and checking the servo motor’s performance can help identify and resolve the issue.

In conclusion, fiber laser cutting machines for metal furniture are important processing tools for the metal furniture and appliance industry. Their ability to provide efficient, precise, and customized manufacturing solutions has contributed significantly to cost reductions and efficiency gains. From complex metal furniture designs to the production of high-quality appliance components, fiber laser cutting machines have proven to be highly effective tools.

By addressing operational challenges and adhering to safe operating practices, manufacturers can maximize the use of this technology. As the demand for innovative, high-quality metal furniture and home appliances continues to grow, fiber laser cutting machines will undoubtedly play an even more important role in the future development of these industries.