Heavy-duty cutting with fiber lasers

In recent years, the laser cutting industry has grown rapidly; not only the process stability has been gradually improved, but the laser power has also significantly increased. Fiber lasers with a power output of 10 kW or higher are gradually becoming the new market favorites. Using a high-power laser source the thickness limitations for plate cutting can be shifted. However, there are opportunities to improve the cutting performance further. Cut edge quality and cutting speed can be improved using dynamic beam shaping or optimized assist gas. Furthermore, different process parameters like nozzle diameter, stand-off distance, focal point position, and assist gas pressure can be optimized using DOE-based experimental exploration. The main aim of this doctoral project is to improve the performance of high-power laser cutting employing the above-mentioned approaches. In order to assure a good understanding of the process mechanisms, absorption modeling and in-process observations will be called upon. Finally, the ultimate goal is to investigate the industrial application of the listed approaches, the robustness of which will be assessed in close cooperation with an industrial partner.