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How to optimize the cutting path in laser processing
Category:answer Publishing time:2025-09-26 07:36:06 Browse: Times
One, The Significance of Optimizing Cutting Paths
The cutting path refers to the trajectory of the laser head moving during the processing process. Unreasonable paths can lead to excessive empty travel, repeated positioning, corner burning, and other problems, which can affect cutting efficiency and product quality. Therefore, the main goals of optimizing the cutting path include: reducing empty travel paths, reducing heat concentration, avoiding material deformation, improving cutting continuity and consistency.
Two, Common Optimization Strategies
1. Application of Shortest Path First Algorithm (TSP)
In the processing of multiple cutting figures, the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) algorithm is used for path optimization, which can effectively reduce the non-working moving distance of the laser head, thus improving the overall processing efficiency. This method uses mathematical modeling and intelligent algorithms (such as genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, etc.) to find the optimal path.
2. Continuous Cutting and Bridge Technology
When cutting multiple independent figures, the 'continuous cutting' or 'bridge' technology can avoid frequent starting and piercing, reduce the superposition of heat-affected areas, improve cutting speed, and reduce energy consumption. This method connects multiple cutting paths to form a continuous trajectory to achieve efficient cutting.
3. Direction Optimization and Sequence Adjustment
The heat distribution of laser cutting in different directions is different. Reasonably arranging the cutting sequence and direction can effectively reduce material thermal deformation. For example, when cutting rectangular or complex contours, it is better to cut the inner contour first and then the outer contour to avoid material loosening affecting cutting accuracy.
4. Corner Treatment Optimization
Heat accumulation and incomplete cutting are prone to occur at corners. By means of减速 cutting, rounded corner transition, or early light-off, etc., corner burning and burr phenomena can be effectively reduced, and cutting quality can be improved.
Three, Intelligent Algorithms and Software Support
With the development of Industry 4.0, more and more intelligent algorithms and software are applied to cutting path optimization. For example:
- CAD/CAM software integrated optimization module: Software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Mastercam can all be配合 laser cutting equipment to automatically generate the optimal cutting path.
- Artificial intelligence-assisted optimization: By using deep learning models to train a large amount of historical cutting data, the optimal path strategy can be predicted.
- Real-time path adjustment system: Some high-end equipment is equipped with sensors and feedback systems, which can dynamically adjust the cutting path during the processing process according to the material state.
Four, Conclusion
In summary, the optimization of laser cutting paths is a key link to improve processing efficiency and quality. By reasonably using mathematical models, intelligent algorithms, and advanced software tools, the optimal path can be realized, thus improving equipment utilization rate and production efficiency while ensuring processing accuracy. In the future, with the continuous progress of artificial intelligence and automated control technology, laser cutting path optimization will become more intelligent and efficient, providing strong support for the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry.
One, The Significance of Optimizing Cutting Paths
The cutting path refers to the trajectory of the laser head moving during the processing process. Unreasonable paths can lead to excessive empty travel, repeated positioning, corner burning, and other problems, which can affect cutting efficiency and product quality. Therefore, the main goals of optimizing the cutting path include: reducing empty travel paths, reducing heat concentration, avoiding material deformation, improving cutting continuity and consistency.
Two, Common Optimization Strategies
1. Application of Shortest Path First Algorithm (TSP)

In the processing of multiple cutting figures, the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) algorithm is used for path optimization, which can effectively reduce the non-working moving distance of the laser head, thus improving the overall processing efficiency. This method uses mathematical modeling and intelligent algorithms (such as genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, etc.) to find the optimal path.
2. Continuous Cutting and Bridge Technology
When cutting multiple independent figures, the 'continuous cutting' or 'bridge' technology can avoid frequent starting and piercing, reduce the superposition of heat-affected areas, improve cutting speed, and reduce energy consumption. This method connects multiple cutting paths to form a continuous trajectory to achieve efficient cutting.
3. Direction Optimization and Sequence Adjustment
The heat distribution of laser cutting in different directions is different. Reasonably arranging the cutting sequence and direction can effectively reduce material thermal deformation. For example, when cutting rectangular or complex contours, it is better to cut the inner contour first and then the outer contour to avoid material loosening affecting cutting accuracy.
4. Corner Treatment Optimization

Heat accumulation and incomplete cutting are prone to occur at corners. By means of减速 cutting, rounded corner transition, or early light-off, etc., corner burning and burr phenomena can be effectively reduced, and cutting quality can be improved.
Three, Intelligent Algorithms and Software Support
With the development of Industry 4.0, more and more intelligent algorithms and software are applied to cutting path optimization. For example:
- CAD/CAM software integrated optimization module: Software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Mastercam can all be配合 laser cutting equipment to automatically generate the optimal cutting path.
- Artificial intelligence-assisted optimization: By using deep learning models to train a large amount of historical cutting data, the optimal path strategy can be predicted.

- Real-time path adjustment system: Some high-end equipment is equipped with sensors and feedback systems, which can dynamically adjust the cutting path during the processing process according to the material state.
Four, Conclusion
In summary, the optimization of laser cutting paths is a key link to improve processing efficiency and quality. By reasonably using mathematical models, intelligent algorithms, and advanced software tools, the optimal path can be realized, thus improving equipment utilization rate and production efficiency while ensuring processing accuracy. In the future, with the continuous progress of artificial intelligence and automated control technology, laser cutting path optimization will become more intelligent and efficient, providing strong support for the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry.