Laser cutting is the most widespread industrial application of high power lasers. The development of this process was initiated around 1970, when scientists at TWI first demonstrated laser cutting with coaxial gas assistance. 10 years later, the polarisation problem was solved and the technology got its breakthrough. Since then some 30,000 laser cutting systems have been installed worldwide, making the laser an important cutting tool in modern industry.

In this paper some major development of the laser cutting process is described. The paper is focussing on some of the major cutting head developments, and includes examples from recent mirror based laser cutting development at high power.

Topics
Laser cutting
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© 2004 Laser Institute of America.
2004
Laser Institute of America
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