Experimental investigation into CO₂ laser cutting parameters

The quality of laser cuts is of the utmost importance in laser processing. As laser systems are becoming more demanding, the need for developments in the area of monitoring, diagnosis, regulation and modeling becomes essential to achieve and maintain a high-quality cutting process. Consequently, the present study examines the cutting parameters experimentally to achieve an understanding of the relationships between these parameters and the resulting cutting quality. The cutting parameters include workpiece thickness, assisting gas pressure, cutting speed and laser output power. The study is extended to include monitoring of the surface plasma developed during the cutting process, which in turn provides information on the effect of the surface on the formation of strations and cutting quality. This was achieved using the optical method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) microphotography of the cut was achieved for detailed investigation of the effects of cutting parameters on the cut geometry.