Powercut

The present project entails research with the goal to extend laser cutting of steel based metals to thickness above 20 mm and laser powers in the 6-12 kW range, with adequate accuracy and economically viable cutting speeds. It is an objective to establish an overall understanding of the combination of gas flow, laser radiation and material flow in the laser cutting process, and on the basis of the results from these studies to make the relevant decisions concerning the design of a mirror system, cutting head and nozzles. Through the theoretical description of the mechanisms of cut front forming with its many aspects the outcome should give input to dimensioning of mirror optics and cutting nozzles.