On cutting and penetration welding processes with high power lasers

In this paper cutting and continuous welding laser processes are examined. Experiments with CO₂ and YAG lasers were carried out on carbon and stainless steels. Two distinct regimes were identified in the gas jet assisted cutting process and in both cases predictions of working parameters can be made. Penetration welding results, when represented on a mathematical model, were seen to be similar to those of cutting ones. Finally, there is a great difference between the above processes and the conduction welding one.