Analysis of cut radii dimensional accuracy in CO 2 fusion laser cutting

In addition to the basic goal of meeting stringent specified requirements regarding feature geometry characteristics, achieving high dimensional accuracy in laser cutting also brings multiple benefits. This paper analyses cut radii dimensional accuracy in CO₂ fusion laser cutting of stainless steel 316L. The analysis of laser cutting conditions was related to the investigation of the effects of severance energy and assist gas flow rate on the dimensional accuracy of four cut radii and its variation. To this aim a 3² experimental matrix was defined upon which experimental trials with replication were performed. The conducted analyses considered ISO 9013 dimensional tolerances, cut radius dimensional deviations and cut radius positional errors, dimensional accuracy variation as well as the interaction effects of the severance energy and assist gas flow via contour plot of the developed empirical polynomial models. The obtained results indicate variable qualitative and quantitative effects of the severance energy and assist gas flow on the dimensional accuracy depending on the cut radius dimensions. The combination of medium severance energy levels and high assist gas flow rates provide suitable conditions for the achievement of high dimensional accuracy and small variation.