Effect of Cutting Speed on Surface Quality and Heat-affected Zone in Laser Cutting of 316L Stainless Steel

This article presents the effect of cutting speed on heat-affected zone (HAZ) and surface roughness in laser cutting of AISI316L stainless steel. Test samples were cut with varying cutting speed, while other process parameters remained constant. Surface roughness of each test sample was measured in several places along cut depth. Photos of cut surfaces were taken with the use of stereoscopic microscope equipped with a camera. Results were analyzed, discussed and conclusions regarding the effect of cutting speed on surface roughness and HAZ were drawn.