Laser cutting of 2024 aluminium alloy and cutting quality assessment

Laser gas-assisted cutting of aluminium alloy is carried out and nitrogen at high pressure is used in the cutting section to prevent oxidation reactions during the cutting process. Morphological changes in the cutting section are examined using optical and scanning electron microscopes and kerf width size is examined at the front and back surfaces of the cutting section using the moving microscope. The lamp parameter analysis is introduced to determine the kerf width size for different laser cutting speeds, and the predictions are compared with the experimental data. It is found that predictions of the kerf width size agree well with the experimental data. The laser cutting section is free from large size asperities, such as large size cracks. Some small dross attachments are observed at the back surface of the cutting section. The dross attachments are local and do not extend along the kerf edges.