Effect of fiber and CO2 lasers parameters on the cut surface quality of RVS 1.4301 stainless steel

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental research related to the process of cutting of t = 3 mm and t = 6 mm thick RVS 1.4301 (AISI 304, EN X5CrNi18-10) stainless steel using a fiber and CO₂ lasers. The correct selection of technological parameters and the maintenance of the machines in the right technical condition allow obtaining very high quality of the cut edge, which will not require additional mechanical treatment. However, this is a complex issue. Appropriate control of the cutting process requires knowledge about the impact of individual parameters on the process and the quality of the cut edge. The influence of selected parameters and conditions of the laser cutting process on the technological quality of the obtained product was determined. The laser power and cutting speed had a significant influence on the output factors for two cutting techniques.For cutting material with a thickness of t = 3 mm with a CO₂ laser, the highest quality of the cut edge was obtained using the power values ​​P = 4200-4300 W and cutting speed v = 2100 mm/min. For the thickness t = 6 mm, the speed values ​​should be approximately set in range v = 1600-1800 mm/min. The power value should be selected in a range from P = 3700 W to P = 4200 W. For a fiber laser with a material thickness of t = 3 mm, the best results were obtained using speeds in the range v = 2000-3300 mm/min. For the thickness of t = 6 mm, the cutting speed must be higher and in the range v = 3500-4000 mm/min while maintaining the power of about P = 4500-4800 W. The conducted experimental research can be useful on production lines in the aspect of the correct selection of technological parameters of the process due to the adopted energy and quality criteria.