Fundamental mechanisms of cutting front formation in laser cutting

Flemming O. Olsen

doi:10.1117/12.184748

7 September 1994 Fundamental mechanisms of cutting front formation in laser cutting

Flemming O. Olsen

Proceedings Volume 2207, Laser Materials Processing: Industrial and Microelectronics Applications; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184748
Event: Europto High Power Lasers and Laser Applications V, 1994, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

This paper includes a theoretical description of some of the major physical phenomena of thermal cutting processes in general. The work is mainly focussed on the laser cutting process. Qualitatively and some quantitatively descriptions of the melt front propagation and the melt flow is described. The theory, supported by experimental studies shows, that in high quality thermal cutting, the melt flow is in front of the cut kerf with a uniform pressure at the melt surface. Furthermore is shown, that at high cutting rates, evaporation in the lower central part of the cut kerf forces the melt partially around the laser beam, reducing the cut quality. Theoretical estimation of the melt film thickness in thermal cutting is derived. It is shown that there is a maximum cutting speed, where substantial evaporation in the cut front can be neglected. This maximum cutting speed depends upon the thermal properties of the material, the thickness of the material and the pressure from the cutting gas. Furthermore the paper indicates thermal instabilities in the top of the cut front in thermal cutting processes, which is supposed to be responsible for the striation formation.

Citation Download Citation

Flemming O. Olsen "Fundamental mechanisms of cutting front formation in laser cutting", Proc. SPIE 2207, Laser Materials Processing: Industrial and Microelectronics Applications, (7 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184748

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available