A laser cutting machine is a precise and flexible method of processing materials. It’s used to work on metal parts for rings, such as ring mounts and bands, where cutting requires extreme precision and meticulous craftsmanship. For example, when creating an opal engagement ring, the mount needs to be precisely cut to match the opal’s shape and size, ensuring a perfect fit between the mount and the stone. Here’s a guide on how to cut and design ring mounts and bands using a laser cutting machine.
1. Preparing Metal Materials
Choosing Metal Materials: Select metals like gold, platinum, white gold, or silver to make the ring mount and band. Ensure the material’s quality meets the requirements for jewelry making.
Preparing Cutting Materials: Cut the chosen metal into the desired sizes. Check the surface for cleanliness, ensuring it’s free of impurities and oxides.
2. Laser Cutting Process
Laser Power and Speed Settings: Laser power determines the intensity and depth of the cut. When making rings and bands, the power should be strong enough to cut through the metal but not too high to avoid overheating and deforming the metal. Cutting speed affects how fast the laser moves across the metal surface. Increasing the speed reduces heat buildup, but it might impact cutting accuracy. Adjust the speed based on the type and thickness of the metal.
Steel
Power: Typically, higher power is needed, depending on steel thickness. For thin steel sheets (1-2 mm), power ranges between 500-1000 watts. Thicker steel sheets (>5 mm) might require over 2000 watts.
Cutting Speed: Thin steel sheets have a faster cutting speed, usually between 1000-1500 mm/min. Thicker steel sheets cut slower, typically between 200-500 mm/min.
Aluminum
Power: Aluminum has high reflectivity, requiring moderate laser power. Thin aluminum sheets (1-2 mm) typically need 500-800 watts. Thicker sheets (>5 mm) may need over 1500 watts.
Cutting Speed: Aluminum’s cutting speed is generally faster. Thin aluminum sheets can cut at 1500-2000 mm/min, while thicker sheets range from 300-800 mm/min.
Silver
Power: Silver’s high reflectivity requires moderate power. Thin silver sheets (1-2 mm) generally need 300-600 watts, while thicker sheets (>5 mm) might require over 1000 watts.
Cutting Speed: Silver’s cutting speed is relatively fast. Thin silver sheets can cut at 1200-1800 mm/min, with thicker sheets in the 200-600 mm/min range.
Gold
Power: Gold’s high thermal conductivity requires moderate power for cutting. Thin gold sheets (1-2 mm) can use 300-600 watts, with thicker sheets (>5 mm) possibly needing over 1000 watts.
Cutting Speed: The speed varies depending on thickness. Thin sheets can cut at 1000-1500 mm/min, with thicker sheets slowing down to 200-500 mm/min.
3. Cutting Ring Bands and Mounts
- Importing CAD Models: Load the CAD models into the laser cutting machine’s control system. Ensure the template is precise and contains all required cutting details and patterns.
- Metal Material Preparation: Place the material on the cutting table, ensuring stability and flatness to prevent movement during cutting.
- Laser Cutting Process: Start the laser cutting machine to cut the basic shapes of the ring bands and mounts. The laser beam will follow the CAD model’s path, creating precise cuts.
4. Assembling Ring Mounts and Bands
Polishing and Cleaning: During the cutting process, metal parts may develop burrs and rough edges. Use a polishing machine or sandpaper to remove these defects and ensure a smooth surface. Then, clean to remove any residue from the cutting process.
Welding and Assembling: Weld the ring bands and mounts together. This process requires precise temperature control to ensure solid welds without damaging the metal structure. Avoid damaging other parts during the welding process.
Laser cutting technology is gaining more applications in gem processing. It not only improves production efficiency but also creates more intricate and unique patterns, bringing new vitality to the jewelry industry.
