Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
In the presented research, the methods of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were applied to analyse the powder waste obtained by cutting of AW-3103 aluminium alloy using a fibre laser. The scanning electron microscopy allows to analyse the morphology of the waste microparticles, the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed their chemical composition, which was compared with the composition of the original cut material. In the waste powder, mainly plate-like particles were observed that contain almost pure aluminium. X-ray powder diffraction measurements confirmed that the waste powder is composed of aluminium phase with only a slight presence of other phases (magnetite, austenite and graphite) and the transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of nanoscale particles in this waste powder. Furthermore, it was found that the average size of the microparticles depends on the thickness of the cut material: particles obtained from a thicker workpiece were substantially bigger than those obtained from the thinner material. On the contrary, the dimensions of the workpiece have only a little impact on the particles’ shape and no significant influence on their chemical composition. The results also suggest that the microparticles could be used as an input material for powder metallurgy. But there is also a certain health risk connected with inhalation of such tiny particles, especially the nanoparticles, which can penetrate deep into the human pulmonary system.
Highlights
Over the last few decades, a considerable number of laser beam machining (LBM) technologies have been developed, offering a wide range of applications [1, 2]
The presented research revealed that waste powder microparticles generated during laser cutting of AW-3103
The microparticles consist of almost pure aluminium with only a slight presence of other phases
Summary
Over the last few decades, a considerable number of laser beam machining (LBM) technologies have been developed, offering a wide range of applications [1, 2]. Suitable for the LBM are materials with a high degree of hardness or brittleness, as well as materials having low thermal conductivity and diffusivity [1]. One of the LBM technologies is laser cutting, which is often used in machine industry for processing almost all types of engineering materials, offering many applications too [3]. It is worth mentioning that laser beam irradiation is used in other manufacturing technologies, for example, in welding processes [7], sintering, turning, milling [1] or in laser surface alloying, which can enhance material properties It is worth mentioning that laser beam irradiation is used in other manufacturing technologies, for example, in welding processes [7], sintering, turning, milling [1] or in laser surface alloying, which can enhance material properties (e. g., it can improve its hardness) [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
