As reported by TWI Global in their article “LASER CUTTING – CUTTING PROCESSES,” lasers have been synonymous with efficiency and quality in materials processing since their introduction in the 1960s. These powerful beams of focused light have found applications in manufacturing, medicine, and communication due to their ability to precisely heat, melt, and vaporize materials.
Laser cutting, a thermal process, involves using a concentrated laser beam to melt material in a localized area. A co-axial gas jet is utilized to expel the molten material, creating a precise cut. This process is controlled by CNC technology, ensuring continuous, accurate cuts. There are three primary types of laser cutting: fusion cutting, flame cutting, and remote cutting.
In fusion cutting, an inert gas, typically nitrogen, is employed to remove molten material from the cut. Nitrogen’s non-reactive nature with molten material ensures it doesn’t contribute to the energy input.
Flame cutting, on the other hand, utilizes oxygen as the assist gas. This not only exerts mechanical force on the molten material but also triggers an exothermic reaction, increasing the energy input to the process.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of twi-global.com
