Aluminium laser cutting - HAZ 1

[Lisa_247]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any information on heat affected zones for laser cutting of aluminium? Ive not been able to get any data off the company doing the cutting, therefore im going to have to make some conservative assumptions on the HAZ for the stress analysis. Ive never worked with laser cut parts before - is there any kind of conservative rule of thumb that can be assumed for the HAZ? Thanks.

 

[rb1957]

I think that's probably best. If the company persists (when do they take "no" for an answer) then a test program may discourage them. There is a way forward (re Sparweb's replies) but it may be more difficult and erode the cost advantages.

Hear your pain brother (none gender specific).

"Hoffen wir mal, dass alles gut geht !"
General Paulus, Nov 1942, outside Stalingrad after the launch of Operation Uranus.

 

[WKTaylor]

L247... RE Your Quote "The parts they want to laser cut are tertiary structure, equipment shelves, small brackets to support lightweight items in the cabin..."

A FEW extra points to consider which might be of importance, anytime You have ragged edges... especially at holes and edges riding over other surfaces...

(A) The tight fit-up of parts becomes problematic.... leading to in-service loosening as the the ragged-edges wear-down.

(B) Any ragged-edges pressed onto smooth mating surfaces can cause abrasion of the mating-smooth surfaces... resulting in loss of corrosion protective coatings along the abrasion line... and often... abrasive-wear [line-fretting] into the the mating surface under the ragged edge.

(C) Electrical bonding and grounding becomes 'sketchy'... since EE/EL B&G processes always require smooth/deburred holes with burr/roughness/oxide-free surrounding 'bare' aluminum surfaces.

Gottagobaktowurk...

Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation, Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", HBA forum]
o Only fools and charlatans know everything and understand everything." -Anton Chekhov

 

[Rex Hang]

Dealing with Heat-Affected Zones (HAZ) in aluminum laser cutting can be challenging. Opting for the right laser parameters and techniques is crucial to minimize HAZ and ensure clean, precise cuts.