CO2 Laser Cutting of Alloy Steels Using N2 Assist Gas

Laser beam machining (LBM) is one of the most widely used thermal energy based non-contact type advance machining process which can be applied for almost whole range of materials. This paper defines mathematical models for surface roughness prediction (Ra, μm) and width of heat affected zone (HAZ, mm) during laser cutting of alloy steels 1.4571 and 1.4828 with nitrogen as assist gas. For defining appropriate mathematical models multiple regression analysis is used with four independent variables. Following parameters are varied: cutting speed, focus position, nitrogen assist gas pressure and stand-off. Obtained mathematical models describe dependence of Ra and HAZ from varied process parameters.