Abstract
A laser cutting technique, named Dual-Focus Laser Cutting, enabling existing and new laser cutting installations to improve cut qualities and process stability as well as extending the thickness range for a number of materials is presented. The technique is based on the use of two stationary focal points, created by a single optical element, rather than the use of only a single focal point created by conventional techniques. The optical element, normally a lens, can be implemented in any old or new laser cutting machine without any changes to the system. A number of advantages related to this cutting technique experienced both in laboratory and under industrial conditions are reported: a high intensity beam can be maintained on the upper surface of the material in order to create the required ignition of the material as well as maintaining a high intensity beam near the bottom material surface suitable for creating a clean kerf all through the material thickness. A number of industrial experiences achieved by industrial end-users on mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium are reported. They illustrate that different cutting machines as well as different materials and material thicknesses can benefit from the new cutting technique.
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Nielsen, S.E., Ellis, N. Dual-Focus Laser Cutting. Weld World 46, 33–40 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03266369
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03266369