The use of laser cutting is as common as the progress of technology. The advantages of laser cutting are metallic and non-metallic material, higher speed, and greater thickness, except the surface is rougher than traditional machining and electrical discharge machining. Experimental parameters of laser output, cutting speed, material thickness, and cutting gas are fully investigated in this study. Experimental results of optimum cutting parameter for material thickness are obtained. The kerf of specimens affected by laser output, cutting speed, material thickness, and cutting gas and pressure. Better Cutting surface roughness observed in the mid position of specimen thickness direction, and is mainly function of laser beam focus position and speed. Results of cutting surface color and roughness depend on the kinds of cutting gas. Low cutting speed and gas pressure induces worse molten dross body in the bottom of specimen. Mechanical properties and microstructure are distinct in the molten layer and heat affect zone at cutting surface.
Laser cutting S304