Cutting of Structural Materials Utilizing Hiqh Powered CO2 Laser
Abstract
The method most commonly used for cutting thick 1.90cm (.75in) steel material where edge quality is not of concern is flame cutting which utilizes an oxyacetylene torch. It provides the energy to heat the steel beyond its melting point and gas pressure forces the molten material (dross) through the thickness of the material. Cutting torches typically remove a kerf of approximately .63cm (.25in) to 1.27cm (.5in). Gas cutting is noisy, generates large quantities of smoke into the environment, and forms large pieces of dross which can travel up to 3.04m (10ft) and cause fires. Typically, when flame cutting shipboard, a fire watch is required. Also, if any type of flammable material exists on the opposite side of the cut, it must be removed for several inches on both sides of the cut line to preclude backside combustion. A search for a better method of cutting thick steel sections, including those with coating materials attached, centered around a high-powered CO2 laser.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP023047
Entities
People
- Nick Eutizzi
- P. E. Denney