This is a sheet metal processing factory that uses a 12,000-watt laser cutting machine equipped with a Hannemec 37kw16bar skid-mounted all-in-one machine. First of all, we need to know that dry and clean compressed air must be used for laser cutting, so our skid-mounted integrated screw air compressor includes a screw machine, a cold dryer, a suction dryer, two 600L gas storage tanks, and an eight-level precision filter. The five-in-one combination ensures the stability of the air compressor and the purity of the compressed gas.
The following is a description of the functions of post-processing equipment at all levels of the air compressor:
Freeze dryer
The main function of the cold dryer is to remove water. The core principle is: cooling and cooling, so that the water vapor in the air condenses into water and is discharged.
Advantages and disadvantages: low price, simple maintenance; the dew point can only reach a minimum of about 2℃, deep drying cannot be achieved, and water will leak out from humid environments and precision equipment.
Adsorption dryer
The main function is deep drying. The core principle is: molecular sieve/alumina adsorbent physically adsorbs water vapor. The core advantage is extremely low dew point. The normal pressure dew point can reach -20℃~-70℃. Water vapor is almost completely removed and the air is extremely dry. It is necessary for laser cutting, electronic chips, spray painting, laboratories, outdoor low-temperature pipelines, and working conditions with high anti-corrosion requirements.
Gas storage tank (buffer tank)
· Pressure Stabilizing Buffer: The air compressor is loaded/unloaded intermittently, and the air storage tank stores compressed air to stabilize the pipeline air pressure, avoid sudden highs and lows of pressure, protect equipment, and ensure stable gas consumption.
· Reduce the start-up and stop loss of the air compressor. After storing air, the air compressor does not need to start and stop frequently, reducing the wear of the motor and machine head, saving power and extending the life of the host.
· Preliminary cooling, water and slag removal. After the high-temperature compressed air enters the tank, the flow rate drops sharply and the temperature drops. A large amount of condensed water, rust, lubricating oil, and dust settle by their own weight, and the bottom drain valve drains water regularly.
· Emergency air supply: During the instantaneous peak of gas consumption (equipment start-up, sandblasting, pneumatic tools), the tank releases the stored air to make up for the instantaneous air supply shortage of the air compressor.
The internally sprayed gas storage tank used by Hannemec can effectively avoid rust and extend the service life.
Filter
According to accuracy, it can be divided into pre-water, oil and dust removal, precision oil removal, and ultra-precision activated carbon oil removal.
1. The main function of the primary filter is to intercept large particles of rust, pipe impurities, large amounts of liquid water, and liquid lubricating oil, and protect the back-end dryer from being clogged by oil.
2. The main function of the precision filter is to filter tiny oil mist and fine dust. The residual oil content is reduced to 0.1ppm. It is standard for general pneumatic equipment.
3. The main function of activated carbon ultra-precision filter is to adsorb gaseous oil molecules, with residual oil ≤0.001ppm. It is used in spray painting, food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.
Its general function is to protect air compressor equipment and drying equipment; prevent pipeline corrosion and product oil pollution from being scrapped.
Laser cutting has extremely high requirements for stable air source pressure, large flow rate, high cleanliness, oil-free and water-free. If you choose the wrong air compressor, it will cause slag hanging, unable to cut through, burnt lenses, and frequent shutdowns. Therefore, it is very important to choose a suitable air compressor for laser cutting. So how to choose?
(1) Match the exhaust volume according to laser power (core flow standard)
| Laser power | Peak gas consumption | Recommended air compressor displacement | Air compressor motor power | Applicable boards |
| 1000W/1500W | 0.8~1.0 m³/min | 1.2 m³/min | 11kW (15 Hp) | Carbon steel / thin stainless steel (within 3mm) |
| 2000W/3000W | 1.1~1.4 m³/min | 1.6~2.0 m³/min | 15/22kW (20/30 Hp) | Carbon steel within 6mm, stainless steel within 3mm |
| 6000W/12000W | 2.0~2.8 m³/min | 3.0~3.6 m³/min | 37kW (50 Hp) | 10mm carbon steel, 6mm stainless steel, aluminum |
| 12000W 及以上 | 3.5~5.0 m³/min | 5.5~6.5 m³/min | 55/75kW | Mass cutting of thick plates, aluminum, and highly reflective materials |
General Formula for Flow Calculation:
Air Compressor Rated Displacement = Peak Total Air Consumption × 1.15~1.2 (Safety Margin)
Use a margin of 1.2 for single-unit continuous cutting; 1.15 for intermittent sampling; 1.2~1.3 for multiple units operating simultaneously.
Consequences of ignoring the margin: Sudden pressure drop during high-speed cutting, burrs in the cut, and halved cutting speed.
II. Selecting an Air Compressor Based on the Thickness of the Cutting Material
There is a pressure drop throughout the pipeline, filter, and dryer process (total loss 0.15~0.3MPa). The air compressor output pressure must be higher than the actual requirement of the nozzle.
1. Thin carbon steel plates <3mm (for thin plates only): Nozzle requirement 0.7~0.8MPa → Select a 0.8MPa (8bar) standard screw compressor.
2. Medium-thin plates 2~6mm, stainless steel/aluminum: Nozzle requirement 1.0~1.2MPa → Select a 1.3MPa (13bar) high-pressure screw compressor.
3. Thick plates 6~16mm, aluminum plates, high-reflective materials: Nozzle requirement 1.3~1.5MPa → Select a 1.6MPa (16bar) dedicated high-pressure screw compressor.
III. How to Choose an Air Compressor Model
Air compressor models are divided into permanent magnet variable frequency screw compressors and fixed frequency screw air compressors.
Fixed frequency screw compressors are more suitable for frequent start-stop operations. They have large pressure fluctuations and high no-load power consumption, making them only suitable for small workshops that occasionally produce samples.
For laser cutting, a permanent magnet variable frequency screw air compressor is the first choice.
Core advantage: Automatic speed adjustment with cutting start and stop, saving power under no-load conditions. 30%+; Pressure fluctuation ≤ ±0.01MPa, stable air supply; Low noise, stable operation for 24 hours continuously.
Permanent magnet frequency converters are also divided into two types:
Micro-oil permanent magnet frequency converter:** High cost-performance ratio, requires a complete set of post-treatment degreasing equipment; suitable for thin carbon steel plates and limited budgets.
Oil-free water-lubricated permanent magnet frequency converter (Class 0 oil-free):** Oil content ≤ 0.01mg/m³, no risk of oil contamination, essential for long-term cutting of stainless steel, aluminum, and high-end sheet metal, eliminating the risk of oil stains and scrapping of lenses.
Hannemec, as a manufacturer of air compressors specifically for laser cutting, focuses on the research and development and production of air compressors for laser cutting, committed to providing customers with stable and clean compressed gas. The company offers a complete range of air compressor models, compatible with all series of laser cutting machines, supporting customization requirements for color, pressure, and style, providing global shipping services, with an annual output of over 15,000 units and more than 20,000 cooperative customers, making it a preferred brand for air compressors used in laser cutting.
