Theoretical study of water jet guided laser technology based on non-uniform electric field deflection water jet

Abstract

Water jet guided laser machining is a new processing technology using water beam fiber to guide laser to machining work-piece surface, which has the advantages of parallel cutting, ideal ratio of depth to width, small heat affected zone, less micro-cracks, less recast layer, no pollution, etc. However, it is easy to make the nozzle burn and the laser deviate from the processing area when the laser beam is coupled to the water beam through a coupling cavity with a nozzle with large aspect ratio due to the shrinkage of water beam in the nozzle and the pulling water beam deviation by aggregated water droplets. In view of the above defects, this paper presents a deflected water beam guided laser method based on non-uniform electric field. The related technical principles are analyzed, and the simulation of non-uniform electric field deflection water beam is also carried out. Theoretical analyses and simulation results provide theoretical support for water jet guided laser technology based on non-uniform electric field deflection water beam.