Laser Cutting Parameters Effect on 316L Stainless Steel Surface

Abstract

Laser cutting is a cutting technology that enables fast processing in high precision. This technology utilizes high temperatures generated by engine to perform the cutting process. Selection of cutting parameters becomes the main factor to determine the cutting surface quality. Cutting parameters in the form of cutting speed and gas pressure are varied between 60 mm/minute - 100 mm/minute and 17 bar - 21 bar to examine the effect on surface character. The character of the laser-cutting surface on 316L series stainless steel material was observed related to the roughness, hardness and microstructure. The results showed that the parameters of cutting speed and gas pressure had an effect on the cutting surface. Changes in cutting speed has more effect on surface roughness while gas pressure has more effect on cutting surface hardness. Observations on the surface also illustrated that there were differences in cutting quality along with the deeper penetration performed by the laser.