In laser cutting the laser beam melts the material and high-pressure nitrogen forces the metal quickly to harden. As nitrogen has a shielding effect, the cutting area is protected against 'bluing' and oxidation.
Using high-pressure nitrogen for laser cutting of steel and metal has many benefits over alternatives such as oxygen:
Nitrogen protects the metal from corrosion
- no oxidation of the steel occurs.
- No additional heat is generated.
- A high quality (clean-cut) edge is achieved.
- The clean cut makes it easy to weld and paint or powder-coat the metal.
- Paint will not fall off the edges.