Current cutting technology of high power CO2 laser

Abstract

Laser processing using the high-density energy beam concentrated on a very small area spot size has been advanced in the industrial fields of cutting and welding. Also of it, cutting with small heat-affect and narrow kerf width has become possible for high power CO2 lasers. In recent years laser processing machines have replaced the conventional means of production in the sheet metal industry. With this has come a greater expectation for the laser processing machine to process the parts of large-item small-volume production with greater precision and better efficiency. Moreover, laser cutting, due to its greater precision and higher stability, is spreading to other fields such as the machine used for the construction of thick-plated equipment. This field has traditionally used gas cutting and plasma cutting in its manufacturing process. This paper will describe the current cutting technology of high power CO2 laser. It will explain the relationship between the laser beam's characteristics and its quality performance of cutting. It will then go on to outline the current laser processing machines in which technology has been applied.