Experimental investigation on fiber and CO2 inert gas fusion cutting of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets

► Comparison on fiber and CO2 laser cutting performances. ► Better cutting quality of fiber laser 1 mm thick sheets cuts with respect to the CO2 laser. ► Optimal fiber laser cutting condition for 3.3 mm thick sheets with the most underfocused position and higher assist cut pressure. ► Better absorptivity of molten magnesium for unpolarized laser radiation for fiber laser cuts. ► Fiber lasers are suitable for application like sheet metal trimming on magnesium alloys.