Laser Cutting of Structural Members With High Powered ND:YAG User System

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA451705 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The application of laser technology for cutting structural members used in ship building was investigated. The original program required the use of a 1.8 kW NdYAG CW laser. This was expanded to include a 2.4 kW NdYAG CW laser, as well as a 1.4 and 14 kW C02 CW lasers. Process parameters such as laser power, travel speed, cutting gas type and flow, and focusing optic were adjusted to determine the feasibility of each laser for cutting structural members. Results indicated that all lasers, except the 1.8 kW NdYAG laser, produced acceptable cuts at speeds greater than 20 IPM. However, each laser is functionally different and careful evaluation of an application s is required in order to determine the most suitable laser. For example, to process large structural members with a CO2 laser, a complex beam manipulation device is required. Processing the same members with a NdYAG laser requires fiber optic delivery. Both types of systems are commercially available.

Author(s):
Whitney, E. J. ; Denney, Paul
Author Organization(s):
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV UNIVERSITY PARK APPLIED RESEARCH LAB
Descriptive Note:
Technical memorandum
Pagination:
0065

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NSRP-0363
Contract/Grant Number(s):
DTMA-84-C-4-1028
Monitor Series:
NSWCCD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_4.5.1_Contract Support Integration; JCA_4.5.2_Contractor Management; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_5_Command and Control
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy; AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*FIBER OPTICS, *YTTRIUM ALUMINUM GARNET, *YAG LASERS, *CARBON DIOXIDE, *STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, VELOCITY, DELIVERY, CONTINUOUS WAVE LASERS, CUTTING, SHIPBUILDING, LASERS, GASES, USER NEEDS, TRAVEL, POWER
Field(s)/Group(s):
Inorganic Chemistry, Lasers and Masers, Fiber Optics and Integrated Optics
Keyword(s):
*LASER CUTTING
Report Date:
1993 Apr 01
Creation Date:
2006 Aug 23