Stainless steel plates have become core materials in the fields of construction, automobiles, medical equipment, etc. due to their corrosion resistance and high strength. However, their high hardness and complex processing requirements have put forward higher requirements for cutting technology. This article analyzes the principles, industry applications and future trends of modern stainless steel plate cutting technology from a scientific perspective, revealing the "invisible hero" behind precision manufacturing.
1. Reform of cutting technology
Traditional stainless steel processing relies on mechanical shearing or plasma cutting, which easily leads to plate deformation, burrs and limited precision. With the increasing demand for precision and environmental protection in the manufacturing industry, laser cutting and water jet cutting technologies have gradually become mainstream:
Laser cutting: The metal is instantly vaporized by a high-energy laser beam, and the incision is smooth and the accuracy can reach ±0.1mm, which is suitable for complex pattern processing;
Water jet cutting: Using ultra-high pressure water flow to achieve "cold cutting", there is no risk of thermal deformation, which is suitable for medical and food-grade stainless steel processing.
According to current data: Laser and water jet technology account for more than 65%, driving the industry's efficiency to increase by more than 40%.
2. New science of technology
The quality of stainless steel cutting depends on the balance between energy density and material thermal conductivity. Take 304 stainless steel as an example. It has a high chromium content and poor thermal conductivity. When cutting, it is easy to cause oxidation and discoloration due to heat accumulation.
The light energy effect of laser cutting: By adjusting the laser power, frequency and auxiliary gas, the slag can be reduced and the thickness of the oxide layer can be controlled;
The kinetic energy effect of water jet cutting: the water pressure is increased to more than 6000Bar, and with garnet abrasive, it can accurately engrave "20mm thick plates" while avoiding internal stress damage to the material.
The Institute of Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences pointed out that the integration of intelligent sensing technology (such as real-time temperature monitoring and AI path planning) further reduced processing errors and promoted the utilization rate of stainless steel plates to 95%.
3. Industry application scenarios: from aerospace to people's livelihood consumption
New energy vehicles:
Laser cutting is used for battery tray stainless steel shells to ensure structural strength and lightweight;
Building curtain walls:
Water jet technology engraves and etches patterned stainless steel plates, with both artistry and weather resistance;
Medical devices:
Non-polluting cutting technology produces surgical instruments to meet FDA non- Bacteria standards.
Data from TRUMPF, a world-renowned manufacturer, shows that its stainless steel laser cutting equipment orders increased by 28% year-on-year in 2023, with China, Germany and the United States as the three major demand markets.
4. Future trends: green manufacturing and ultra-precision
Low-carbon transformation:
The energy consumption of the new generation of fiber lasers is reduced by 30%, and the waste recycling system is used to reduce the carbon footprint;
Compound processing:
Laser + water jet hybrid equipment realizes "one machine with multiple functions" to meet the needs of multiple thicknesses and multiple materials;
Nano-level precision:
Femtosecond laser technology has entered the experimental stage and is expected to break through the micron-level processing limit.
The evolution of stainless steel sheet cutting technology is not only a microcosm of the efficiency revolution in the manufacturing industry, but also reflects mankind's continuous exploration of the limits of materials. With the deep integration of intelligence and green technology, stainless steel processing will be more efficient and precise in the future, injecting new momentum into the era of Industry 4.0.
