Laser and oxygen hybrid coaxial cutting method for thick clad plates made of heterogeneous metals

Abstract

We developed the laser oxyfuel and oxyflame hybrid (LOXAFH) cutting method which has the potential to break the limit by integrating laser and oxyfuel cutting methods. The LOXAFH cutting method was designed through numerical simulation, and verified through clad plate cutting experiments. Furthermore, the influence of heat sources composed of 1 kW laser beams, oxygen jet flow, and flame which contribute to the melting of the clad plate was analyzed. Controlling factors such as laser input, preheating flame, and oxygen jet flow were found to be crucial in achieving optimal cutting results. The nozzle shape, particularly the converging -diverging nozzle, showed superior performance in the effective oxidation -induced melting and removal of molten slag. 500 W LOXAFH cutting demonstrated the ability to cut clad plate up to 15 mm thick.