Lumped parameter model for multimode laser cutting

A lumped parameter mathematical model is developed to relate the cut depth to the laser cutting parameters and material properties. The model takes in to account the threshold power of the incident laser beam for the initiatio n of cutting and modifies an earlier cutting model so that it applies to a wide set of process parameters ranging from low to high laser powers and sl ow to Fast cutting speeds, Plain steel is taken as an example to show the e ffects of various process parameters such as the laser power, spot size and cutting speed on the cut depth, Special emphasis is given to the effect of laser mode structure on its cutting capability. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.