Laser Cutting
Abstract
This state-of-the-art review covers laser cutting processes, laser source configurations, and multiaxis manipulators for directing the laser beam. Cutting process data are documented for carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, plastics and composites. The plastics include acrylics and polycarbonates, and the composites were Kevlar, glass/epoxy, graphite/epoxy, and boron/aluminum. Where available, data relating to cutting speed, roughness of the cut face, kerf width, relative freedom from dross or burrs, and maximum cuttable thickness are listed for each material. Laser source configurations pertain to both CO2 and Nd:YAG technologies. Slow- axial-flow, fast-axial-flow, and fast-transverse-flow configurations are described for the CO2 technology, including maximum available power (CW), pulsing modes, and discharge stabilization techniques for these CO2 configurations. Keywords: Lasers, Laser cutting, Alloys, Aluminum, Steels, Plastics, Carbon dioxide lasers, Neodymium lasers, YAG Lasers, Robots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198299
Entities
People
- F. D. Seaman