Laser cutting titanium

[CalvinKelly]

Can anyone recommend a source for detailed information concerning laser cutting titanium? I know that any gases in contact with the Ti must be either argon or helium, and not nitrogen or air, but that is all I know. We expect to be supplying laser cut parts for aerospace applications.

James Kelly

http://www.rolledalloys.com

 

[Goahead]

Hi,
a list of relevant publications can be found at:

http://www.laserinstitute.org/onlinestore/index.php3?group=3

It appears that for certain applications the Heat Affected Zone must be removed by mechanical means before welding.

Why not explore also Waterjet cutting? This process, when applicable, leaves no HAZ.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[knobhead]

I'm with Goahead, waterjet will give you much better results, especially with titanium.

Cleaner, quicker, no chance of hydrogen embrittlement, and no messing around with gasses. (and cheaper)

Excessive accuaracy is a sign of poor breeding. -Socrates.

 

[CalvinKelly]

Thanks for the laser site, all I need to do now is figure out which book I need. We already do waterjet cutting, laser is fa$ter with much better tolerances (with all respect to Socrates, we do not question the breeding of our customers). & why would one have hydrogen embrittlement laser cutting with argon and/or helium assist gas???

James Kelly

http://www.rolledalloys.com