Abstract
Assist gas plays a central role in laser fusion cutting. In this work, the aerodynamic interactions between the assist gas and the workpiece are reviewed. An insight into those phenomena that hinder the cutting quality and performance is provided. These phenomena include shock waves, choking, boundary layer separation, etc. The most relevant and promising attempts to overcome these common problems related to the gas dynamics are surveyed. The review of the current scientific literature has revealed some gaps in the current knowledge of the role of the assist gas dynamics in laser cutting. The assist gas interactions have been investigated only under static conditions; and the dynamic interaction with the molten material on the cutting front has not been addressed. New nozzle designs with improved efficiency of molten material removal are required to improve cut quality; and cutting speed in current industrial laser cutting machines; especially in those assisted by new high-brightness laser sources.
Highlights
Laser cutting was one of the first industrial applications of lasers, and one of the most widespread in the manufacturing industry since the birth of laser technology
The increment is dependent on the laser power, because this parameter controls the temperature of the molten material and, its viscosity as well
An attempt was made to survey main findings related to the role of the assist gas during laser cutting
Summary
Laser cutting was one of the first industrial applications of lasers, and one of the most widespread in the manufacturing industry since the birth of laser technology. The first reported attempt to use a laser as a cutting tool may be well attributed to P. Houldcroft, who in 1967 used a 300 W CO2 laser with oxygen as assist gas to cut 1 mm thick steel sheet [1]. This kind of processing is routinely applied to cut steels, ranging from 0.5–30 mm in thickness for different purposes, as well as other engineering materials. Pressure just at the exit of the nozzle Reduced pressure. Velocity of the assist gas at the throat of the de Laval nozzle Kerf width. Distance along the centerline of the jet; distance along the cutting front or cutting edge
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