Product Code: ICAL08_1507

Fiber Laser Cutting of Stainless Steel in Non-Vertical Positions
Authors:
Antti Salminen, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Lappeenranta Finland
Tuomas Purtonen, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Lappeenranta Finland
Presented at ICALEO 2008

In the many fields of industry, stainless steel provides the best solution combining strength properties, corrosion resistance and good visual quality. The manufacturing of various pipe systems and components requires accurately cut holes and sections. Fiber lasers are providing a fast and affordable way to accomplish these demands. This paper examines fiber laser cutting of stainless steel in vertical and non-vertical positions. The effect of different cutting positions to the final quality of the cut and the required cutting parameters are researched. The variables are material thickness, focal length, nozzle configuration together with gas pressure and cutting speed and laser power. The cutting tests are performed as fusion cutting using a 5 kW fiber laser. The optimum cutting parameters for the tests are shown in this document and different positions are verified in terms of cut quality and cut edge shape.