Nitrogen solutions for the metal fabrication industry
In metal fabrication, processes such as laser cutting, welding preparation, and surface treatment demand precision, efficiency, and consistent quality. One critical factor in achieving these results is the right assist gas. Nitrogen generator for laser cutting has become the standard for companies that want clean, high-quality cuts, lower operating costs and full control over their gas supply. Instead of relying on expensive and unpredictable bulk deliveries, an on-site laser nitrogen generator provides a constant, on-demand flow of high-purity nitrogen tailored to your production needs. At Presscon, we design and build advanced HP-PSA nitrogen generators that deliver purity levels up to 99.9999%, integrate seamlessly with fiber and CO₂ laser systems, and can be powered sustainabl even with solar energy.
What is a nitrogen generation for laser cutting?
Laser cutting relies on a beam of concentrated energy to melt or vaporize metal. The assist gas (nitrogen) does two critical things at once: it blows molten material out of the kerf and shields the hot edge from oxygen. Without that shield, the metal oxidizes instantly, leaving a dark, brittle edge that can’t be welded or painted without extra work.
For stainless steel, aluminum, and other oxidation-sensitive metals, nitrogen is the gold standard. The purities required typically range from 99.5% to 99.999% depending on the thickness and finish required. The challenge is supplying that gas at a constant purity and pressure, hour after hour, without interruption.
A nitrogen generator solves that challenge by producing nitrogen on site. Presscon’s N-Gen systems connect to your compressed air network, separate oxygen from nitrogen using our patented High-Performance PSA process, and deliver clean, dry nitrogen at the exact flow and pressure your laser demands.
Key components of the use of nitrogen gas generator
A Presscon laser nitrogen installation is a complete, engineered solution, designed for the constant powerful flow that high-quality, oxidation-free laser cutting demands. It starts with an energy-efficient compressor, often managed by our PEC Controller for optimal load sharing. The compressed air passes through filtration and drying to protect the CMS beds inside the generator.
The HP-PSA N-Gen module is the heart of the system. Here, twin adsorption columns alternately capture oxygen and release pure nitrogen. Thanks to our optimized airflow path and unique carbon compression system, the process is smoother, the beds last longer, and less energy is consumed. Nitrogen production takes place at low pressure, but for laser cutting, higher pressures (up to 300 bar) are often required.
To bridge this gap and maintain cutting performance, we use a cylinder skid as a high-pressure buffer. This compact storage solution holds a large reserve of nitrogen, instantly available to meet peak demand. Because nitrogen consumption can fluctuate heavily during cutting, the skid ensures consistent pressure and uninterrupted operation, even during sudden load changes.
Laser cutting applications
Our systems are in use worldwide for:
- Cutting stainless steel panels for food processing equipment, where oxide-free edges are essential for hygiene compliance.
- Producing aluminum parts for aerospace and automotive, where clean, burr-free edges improve structural integrity.
- Fabricating mild steel components that need a paint-ready edge straight off the laser.
- For companies in the metalworking industry that laser cut tubes and sheet metal.
Our generators deliver a stable nitrogen flow that matches the machine’s demands without the dips and surges common in bulk systems.
How on-site nitrogen generation works
Presscon’s N-Gen systems use High-Performance Pressure Swing Adsorption. Compressed air enters one of two CMS-filled columns. Oxygen molecules are trapped, nitrogen gas flows through. When the CMS is saturated, the column is depressurized to release the oxygen while the other column takes over production. This alternating cycle repeats continuously, ensuring an uninterrupted nitrogen gas supply.
Our HP-PSA innovation improves on the standard design with a refined airflow system and patented carbon packing method. The result:
- Stable purity up to 99.9999%
- Longer CMS lifespan
- Lower energy use per cubic metre of nitrogen produced
- Modular scalability for redundancy and future expansion
Choosing the right nitrogen purity for each metal type
Selecting the correct nitrogen purity is essential for achieving the best possible cut quality, edge condition, and downstream performance. Presscon’s HP-PSA systems allow you to fine-tune purity levels for each application, balancing quality requirements with energy efficiency. Our specialists provide tailored advice on the ideal purity settings for your materials and laser cutting processes, ensuring you achieve consistent results while keeping operating costs under control.
Benefits of using nitrogen for metal laser cutting
Cutting with high-purity nitrogen delivers measurable advantages in quality, speed, and efficiency:
Oxidation-free edges
Nitrogen shields the cut zone from oxygen, preventing oxide scale and discoloration. Parts are weld- and paint-ready without additional cleaning or grinding.
Consistent high pressure nitrogen
On-site generation supports the high pressure (15–20 bar or more) required for thick stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring full penetration and clean kerf evacuation.
Superior cut quality
Smooth, burr-free edges with minimal dross reduce post-processing and improve dimensional accuracy.
Higher productivity
Nitrogen cutting enables faster speeds on stainless and aluminum compared to oxygen, increasing throughput without compromising edge integrity.
Stable process conditions
Purity and pressure remain constant, unaffected by cylinder changeovers or bulk tank depletion, resulting in uniform quality across every shift.
Calculating ROI for onsite nitrogen generation: Our proven method
We don’t guess: we calculate. Our team analyses your current nitrogen usage, delivery costs, and machine requirements to create a tailored savings model. We factor in the reduced energy consumption of HP-PSA, maintenance schedules, and projected growth. The result is a clear payback timeline and a detailed comparison of lifetime costs versus bulk supply.
- Modular design
- Low energy consumption
- Long lifespan
- Multifunctional use
Presscon nitrogen generators: Dutch quality, sustainable and 24/7 reliable
Presscon builds every N-Gen in our own factory in Honselersdijk, ensuring Dutch-made quality from design to installation. With over 25 years of experience, 24/7 service, and systems running across multiple industries, we’re the partner you can rely on for uninterrupted, sustainable nitrogen supply in laser cutting. Contact our specialists today for a no-obligation ROI calculation and discover how on-site nitrogen generation can transform your laser cutting operation.
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