Development and analysis of plasma-assisted laser beam fusion cutting

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Within the framework of the planned research project, a novel laser-based cutting process (plasma-assisted laser beam cutting) for cutting metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous metals) will be comprehensively and methodically investigated for the first time and tested with regard to the achievable process advantages compared to conventional cutting processes. A characteristic feature of the addressed hybrid process is the combination of a laser beam and a coaxially guided plasma jet, whereby the energy transfer and the material removal are decoupled by use of a non-transferred arc. The aim is to combine the advantages of a focused laser beam for generating narrow cut kerfs with almost parallel cutting edges in a synergetic manner with the advantages of plasma cutting in terms of low cutting edge roughness, cuttable material thicknesses and moderate gas consumption. The work planned for the required qualification of the approach includes design studies for the most efficient formation and guidance of the plasma jet, extensive experimental studies on resulting parameter dependencies as well as model developments and simulations for a profound theoretical understanding of the process characteristics. As a result of the research, a potentially highly efficient and innovative hybrid process with improved processing quality and reduced manufacturing effort compared to the established individual thermal cutting processes of laser beam cutting and plasma cutting is expected.