Analysis of Laser Evaporative and Fusion Cutting

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical description of the evaporative and fusion laser cutting process. The model incorporates the effects of heat conduction, phase change, beam divergence, surface absorption and plasma absorption (for fusion cutting of metals) to estimate the geometry of the cutting front for given process parameters, material properties and workpiece geometry. Model estimates for kerf shape were developed for continuous-wave CO2 laser cutting of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), aluminum oxide and 304 stainless steel. Comparison of model estimates with experimental results showed good agreement for cutting front geometries for PMMA, good kerf width agreement for aluminum oxide and model underestimation of kerf profile for 304 stainless steel. Results for the comparison of predicted and measured profile and centerline angles of inclination are also presented.