Investigation on the machinability of steel/steel laminates by CO_{2 laser

In this study, an experimental investigation of machinability of steel/steel laminates using CO2 laser was presented. O2 assist gas was used for cutting of laminates. Laser power and feed rate were changed gradually as cutting parameters. Heat affected zone (HAZ) size and kerf width were measured. Effect of linear energy density (ratio of power to feed rate) was determined on the kerf width, the HAZ size, and the cutting surface quality. Also, the quality of surface was examined under optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It is concluded that when linear energy density is increased, the kerf width and the HAZ size increase. Dross formation and surface irregularities increase with increasing laser power and decreasing feed rate.