Experimental Evaluation of Co2 Laser Cutting Quality of Uhss Using Oxygen as an Assisted Gas

Abstract

Development of new material known as Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) able to improve the vehicle mass thus reflecting better fuel consumption. Transformation into high strength steel has been a significant drawback in trimming the UHSS into its final shape thus laser cutting process appeared to be the solution. This study emphasizes the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser cutting input parameters on 22MnB5 boron steel focusing on the kerf width formation and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). Experimental research with variation of laser power, cutting speed and assisted gas pressure were executed to evaluate the responses. Metrological and metallographic evaluation of the responses were made on the outputs that are the kerf width formation and HAZ. Positive correlation for power and negative interaction for cutting speed were found as the major factors on formation of the kerf. For the HAZ formation, thicker HAZ were formed as bigger laser power were applied to the material. Cutting speed and gas pressure does not greatly influence the HAZ formation for 22MnB5 boron steel.