Effects of Cutting Angle on Multiple Quality Characteristics for the Microcutting of Thin 316L Stainless Steel Using a Low Power Fiber Laser

摘要

In the present day situation higher efficiency, better beam quality, reliability and ease of beam delivery through optical fiber have given diode pump fiber laser a potential to perform in a better way than the traditionally used CO2 or Nd:YAG laser in sheet metal cutting operation. Change in focal distance in the downward direction from the top surface in a controlled manner, eliminates the problem of proper focusability which leads to the formation of uniform melt pool throughout the machining period and results in formation of kerf with high aspect ratio. Investigation of the influence of cutting angle and constant z-height movement with other process parameters like cutting speed, pulse frequency, duty cycle and average power related to the kerf deviation and surface roughness of the 1 mm thick 316L stainless steel sheet has been done. Evaluation of the parametric dependent factors of the cut quality has been made by the implementation of response surface methodology (RSM) with the help of design of experiments (DOE). The optimum parametric settings relating to different machining conditions have also been evaluated.