Laser Cutting: A Review on the Influence of Assist Gas
Open Access
- 6 January 2019
- Vol. 12 (1), 157
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010157
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.Keywords
Funding Information
- european union interreg atlantic area (EAPA_151/2016, MAT2015-71459-C2-P (MINECO/FEDER), PRX17/00157)
- Xunta de Galicia (ED431B 2016/042, POS-A/2013/161, ED481B 2016/047-0, ED481D 2017/010)
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