CO2 laser cut quality of 4130 steel

Samples of 4130 steel were cut on a CO2 laser cutting system and the combined effects of power and feed rate on kerf width, surface roughness, striation frequency and the size of heat affected zone (HAZ) have been studied. Regression analysis was used to develop models that describe the effect of the independent process parameters on laser cut quality. For the range of operation conditions tested, it was observed that power had a major effect on kerf width and size of HAZ, while feed rate affects were secondary. On the other hand, surface roughness and striation frequency were affected most by feed rate. At low power levels, the smallest kerf width and HAZ are obtained and the effect of feed rate is moderate. Low feed rates gave good surface roughness and low striation frequency. For optimum cut quality, kerf width, HAZ and surface roughness are kept at a minimum. However, operating conditions that satisfy these requirements while maintaining high productivity could not be identified. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.