New method of circle and arc cutting

In practical applications of laser cutting, the quality of the cut surfaces is the critical factor. In this study, a new method for circle and arc cutting is proposed based on optical characteristic of a glass cone. In a laser cutting system, we use a glass cone replace beam-focusing optics to direct the beam to the workpiece, and equipment for moving either the laser beam or the workpiece, or both, to obtain the circle or arc cutting pattern. Theoretical analysis and simulation studies of a glass cone show that, this method solves an issue which the focal depth and focal spot cannot be optimized in the meantime, ensures the strict vertical cut surface and the high cutting quality, greatly reduce the workload caused by the motion of the beam or the workpiece.