Study into penetration speed during CO₂ laser cutting of stainless steel

Laser cutting quality depends upon the proper selection of laser and workpiece parameters. Laser cut quality drops considerably when the size of the surface plasma increases. This plasma affects the speed of penetration, which in turn affects the cut quality. The present study examines the measurement of the penetration speed during CO₂ laser cutting of stainless steel workpieces. To achieve this, three different methods were employed, namely, optical, thermocouple and wire methods. Oxygen and an argon-oxygen gas mixture were used as assisting gases. Penetration speed was also predicted, using a one-dimensional heat transfer model. It was concluded that the cut quality improves when penetration speed is at a maximum.