Bevel cutting with LASOX

Abstract

The recent implementation of BOC LASOX thick section laser cutting in a US shipyard has shown that the process is capable of profile cutting material up to 2” in thickness in mild steel. However, the vast majority of profiled parts, which are subsequently welded, require a joint edge preparation. In the simplest form these take the form of a bevel cut, however, more complex geometries are often required which contain double bevel with a nose. These edge preparations are conventionally made using a three torch oxy-fuel bevelling head, which require a high level of operator expertise to set up accurately. Traditional laser cutting has not been widely adopted for bevelling due to poor quality and limited thickness of cut. LASOX offers the ability to take on this application.An experimental programme has been conducted which has quantified the capabilities of the LASOX process for bevelling and the production of complex weld edge preparations, the experimental work was carried out with a Trumpf 5-axis cutting system using a laser power of 2kW. The achievable processing speeds and the edge quality are presented for a variety of bevels and weld preparations.The recent implementation of BOC LASOX thick section laser cutting in a US shipyard has shown that the process is capable of profile cutting material up to 2” in thickness in mild steel. However, the vast majority of profiled parts, which are subsequently welded, require a joint edge preparation. In the simplest form these take the form of a bevel cut, however, more complex geometries are often required which contain double bevel with a nose. These edge preparations are conventionally made using a three torch oxy-fuel bevelling head, which require a high level of operator expertise to set up accurately. Traditional laser cutting has not been widely adopted for bevelling due to poor quality and limited thickness of cut. LASOX offers the ability to take on this application.An experimental programme has been conducted which has quantified the capabilities of the LASOX process for bevelling and the production of complex weld edge preparations, the experimental work was carried out with a Trumpf 5-axis cutting...