A study on the effect of cutting position on performance of fiber laser cutting of stainless steel tubes

Abstract

Laser fusion cutting is a widely used process to cut stainless steel sheets and plates. In best cases, it provides such a good quality that it can be used instead of machining, e.g., for manufacturing tube systems and components where accurately cut holes and sections are required. The flexibility of fiber lasers provides a fast and affordable way to accomplish these demands. This paper examines the effect of cutting position on fiber laser cutting of stainless steel. The tests consist of flat sheet bevel cutting, cutting of tubes in vertical and nonvertical positions and orbital cutting. The effect of different cutting positions and parameters to the final quality of the cut edge are studied. The parameters were, e.g., material thickness, focal length, cutting speed, and laser power. The cutting tests were performed as high-pressure nitrogen cutting using a 5-kW multi-mode fiber laser. It was shown that the changed angle of incidence in the cutting direction had affected the cutting result. With a pushing cutting position, both the cutting quality and performance were improved. The results indicated clearly that orbital cutting is possible with the same parameters that are suitable for cutting in vertical position.