Plasma Cutting of Structured Sheet Metals in Comparison with Laser Beam Cutting

Abstract

One main problem of thin-walled, large-area sheet components for lightweight construction solutions is the inadequate stiffness. One approach for a solution is provided by structured sheets which have an increased flexural stiffness due to three-dimensionally incorporated structures up to 3 times compared with flat sheets. Since few systematic investigations have been conducted on structured sheets in the field of characterization, forming, welding and joining technologies and corrosion until now, there is a lack of knowledge in the field of cutting technologies. The aims of the presented work is to qualify the plasma cutting process for thin structured sheets as an alternative to laser cutting. The qualification of the process was carried out with roughness and straightness measurements and by assessing the absence of burrs. The results obtained show the good quality of plasma cutting on structured sheets and were compared with the results of qualified laser beam cuts.