Influence of Alloying Elements on the Laser Cutting Process

This paper presents an experimental investigation into how different alloying elements affect the laser-oxygen cutting process. Small variations in chemical composition of the material can lead to major changes in the overall laser-oxygen cutting process. The changes can appear as differences in cut edge roughness and/or adherent dross on the bottom of the cut. The primary causes of the process sensitivity have been identified as changes in surface tension and viscosity of the molten material in combination with changes in the exothermal reaction in the cut zone.