LASGON® C (pure CO₂) is the most cost-effective laser assist gas for carbon steel cutting, providing reactive oxidation that increases cutting speed by 3-4x compared to nitrogen while delivering clean, oxide-free edges on 1-20mm steel plates with minimal dross formation.
Laser Cutting
LASGON® C
99.95% CO₂Ultra-pure carbon dioxide engineered specifically for laser cutting applications, delivering reactive assist gas performance with exceptional edge quality and cutting speed optimization.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Purity | 99.95% | Consistent cutting performance |
| Water Content | <10 ppm | Prevents beam degradation |
| Oil Content | <0.1 ppm | Clean optical path |
| Particle Count | <1 per mL | Protects laser optics |
| Density (15°C, 1 bar) | 1.87 kg/m³ | Effective molten metal removal |
PROOF Analysis: Why LASGON® C for Laser Cutting
P - Problem: Carbon Steel Laser Cutting Challenges
- Cutting speed limitations: Inert gases provide slow thermal cutting
- Economic pressure: High nitrogen costs impact production economics
- Thick section challenges: Poor edge quality on materials >8mm
- Dross formation: Excessive molten material adherence
- Heat-affected zone: Wide HAZ reduces material properties
- Productivity bottlenecks: Slow cutting speeds increase cycle time
R - Research: Laser Standards and Science
- ISO 11554: Specifies CO₂ quality requirements for laser applications
- NIST standards: Purity specification for industrial laser gases
- Reactive cutting mechanism: CO₂ + Fe → FeO + CO (exothermic)
- Heat contribution: Additional 4.2 kJ/mol from oxidation reaction
- Cutting speed physics: 3-4x faster than inert gas due to chemical assistance
- Pressure optimization: 0.5-1.5 bar optimal for most applications
- Edge oxidation: Controlled to prevent excessive scale formation
O - Options: Assist Gas Comparison
| Assist Gas | Speed Index | Edge Quality | Cost Index | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LASGON® C (CO₂) | 300-400% | Good | 100% | General fabrication |
| Nitrogen | 100% | Excellent | 800% | Precision cutting |
| Oxygen | 250-350% | Fair | 150% | Heavy sections |
| Compressed Air | 200% | Poor | 50% | Rough cutting only |
O - Outcome: Measured Performance Benefits
- Cutting speed: 4-6 m/min on 6mm steel (vs 1.2 m/min with N₂)
- Cost per meter: 75% lower operating cost vs nitrogen assist
- Edge roughness: Ra 6-12 μm typical (ISO 9013 quality grade 3)
- Dross formation: <0.1mm height on properly cut edges
- HAZ width: 0.3-0.8mm depending on thickness
- Material thickness range: Optimal for 1-20mm carbon steel
- Productivity gain: 300% throughput increase vs inert gas cutting
F - Final Recommendation
Choose LASGON® C for: General fabrication carbon steel cutting where speed and cost are priorities over ultimate edge finish. Ideal for structural steel, general manufacturing, and high-volume production where subsequent machining or welding will occur.
Linde Product Code: LASGON-C-99.95 (various cylinder sizes available)
Optimal thickness range: 1-20mm carbon steel, mild steel, low-alloy steel
Applications & Use Cases
Primary Applications
- Structural steel fabrication (beams, plates, brackets)
- General manufacturing and job shop work
- Automotive component cutting
- HVAC ductwork and enclosures
- Agricultural equipment manufacturing
- Construction equipment parts
Material Compatibility
Usage Guidelines
Recommended Parameters
| Material Thickness | Gas Pressure | Nozzle Distance | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3mm | 0.5-0.8 bar | 0.8-1.2mm | 8-15 m/min |
| 3-6mm | 0.6-1.0 bar | 1.0-1.5mm | 4-8 m/min |
| 6-12mm | 0.8-1.2 bar | 1.2-1.8mm | 2-4 m/min |
| 12-20mm | 1.0-1.5 bar | 1.5-2.0mm | 0.8-2 m/min |
Optimization Tips
- Maintain consistent gas flow to prevent pressure fluctuations
- Use proper nozzle centering for uniform gas distribution
- Adjust focus position for material thickness (typically +1 to +3mm)
- Monitor edge quality and adjust speed for optimal balance
- Clean nozzles regularly to maintain gas flow consistency
Limitations & Considerations
Not Recommended For
- Stainless steel cutting (use nitrogen instead)
- Aluminum cutting (use nitrogen or argon)
- Precision cutting requiring oxide-free edges
- Very thin materials (<1mm) where heat input must be minimal
- Applications requiring subsequent powder coating without preparation
Edge Preparation Requirements
- Light oxide scale may require removal for welding applications
- Painting/coating may need edge preparation or primer
- Slight heat discoloration normal and acceptable for most applications
- Dross removal may be needed on bottom edge depending on parameters
Related Linde Products
LASGON® H
Hydrogen for specialized cutting
Pure Argon
Inert cutting for reactive metals
CORGON® 18
For subsequent welding operations
Forming Gas
For post-cutting heat treatment