Parametric studies on improved laser cutting performance of magnesium alloy with two flow nozzles

We describe a newly proposed method of cutting a magnesium alloy using a high-energy CO2 laser. Improved laser cutting was achieved when the movement of the molten metal in the kerf was controlled by supplying assist gas from two nozzles positioned above and below the cutting sample. In order to analyze the gas flow and the movement of the molten metal in detail, a flow visualization experiment that simulated the molten metal ejection was also performed using an acrylic work-piece and water as the operation fluid. The results of this simulation were then compared with those of a computational fluid dynamics calculation. Such comprehensive model analysis revealed that the well-balanced gas flows from the two nozzles could enable the desirable flow and fast velocity to be generated both in the kerf and underneath the workpiece, under the conditions where high-quality laser cutting is achieved.