The application of the random balance method in laser machining of metals

Features peculiar to laser technology offer some advantages over more traditional processes, but, like all processes, it has its limitations. This article studies the limitations of laser machining of metals, and quantifies, through an experimental design method, the influence of operating parameters on productivity and on the quality of the machined surface. Three study materials were used: an aluminium alloy, stainless steel and a titanium alloy. An initial reading of the results indicates that productivity depends mainly on the frequency of the laser pulse and that the aluminium alloy behaves differently from the other two. The quality of the machined surface, judged here by roughness, was likewise dependent on pulse frequency and, to a lesser degree, on sweep speed. Surface roughness was minimized by increasing the pulse frequency and reducing the sweep speed. The experimental results were accurately predicted by simple polynomial models. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.