The Laser Cutting Process

Laser Cutting Process: Analysis and Applications presents a comprehensive understanding of the laser cutting process and its practical applications. The book includes modelling, such as thermal and stress analysis and lamp parameter analysis for kerf width predictions, and practical applications such as laser cutting of metallic and non-metallic materials and assessment of end product quality such as cutting quality. It provides detailed information and insight into the laser cutting process, analytical considerations for laser cutting, the importance of the affecting parameters, stress levels formed in the cutting section, cutting efficiency, and cut section morphology and metallurgy. In analytical and model studies, thermal analysis is considered while incorporating the following: i) moving source with presence of impinging jet, ii) thermal stress analysis leading to prediction of residual stresses, iii) kerf width predictions, and iv) molten flow in the kerf, and striations due to cutting instabilities. . . The practical applications include: cutting quality assessment via statistical methods; morphological changes, in particular, difficult to cut materials;oxidation reactions; andmetallurgy and fracture toughness assessments in the cutting section. Finally, limitations and further studies in laser cutting are discussed in the concluding section of the book. This book is designed to be used by individuals working in the area of laser machining and high energy processing.