Influencia de la composición y el estado superficial de chapas de acero sobre el proceso de corte por láser

Abstract

Laser cutting process is highly influenced by material

composition and surface state before cutting. Variability in

these elements involve changes in cutting parameter values

(productivity) and cut quality (part acceptance or rejection).

The vast majority of studies on this matter have been

conducted employing CO2 lasers, therefore, the aim of this

analysis is to complete existing literature and update it with

actual industrial trends which move towards the use of fibre

lasers.

For this purpose, behaviour of three steel types (pickled steel,

Ruukki and Hardox) with thicknesses of 6mm, 10mm and

15mm has been analysed, using the sheets just as they left the

mill, with a superficial machining and superficial rust. Quality

of obtained parts has been measured visually and through a

confocal microscope, comparing roughness results with the

standard UNE-EN ISO 9013 for thermal cuts.

Results have revealed three different existing quality zones

(upper, centre, bottom) for thick materials (>6mm) and a single

quality for the thin ones (≤6mm). Differences in quality and

cutting parameter values between pickled steel and Hardox

have been noticed, but not between pickled steel and Ruukki.

Moreover, significant variations in cutting process have been

observed when previous superficial rust is present, while

machined surface has no effect on it.