Influence of the beam parameter product on fiber laser cut characteristics for highly reflective materials Available to Purchase

Fiber lasers have been shown to be very effective at cutting highly reflective materials such as aluminum, brass and copper. The need for ever increasing processing speeds and excellent edge quality on thicker materials, which are dependent on the laser beam characteristics, constitute good reasons to investigate the influence of the beam parameter product (BPP) on the cut attributes. Laser cutting was carried out on various highly reflective material thicknesses for different BPP and focus spot sizes. Cutting speeds were recorded and the characteristic cut surfaces were quantified using a surface profiler. The outcome of the study on brass along with guidelines on optimum beam parameters for given material thicknesses is presented.