Cutting parameters for the reduction in material degradation in the laser cutting of advanced high-strength steels

This article presents the optimum cutting conditions for advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) laser cutting. Different series of AHSSs, used in the automotive industry at present, have been tested with different laser cutting parameters. The influence of laser cutting in the material and the changes in metallurgical characteristics have been studied. The results, as expected, demonstrate very different behaviours as a function of sheet thickness, while the variation in cutting parameters due to the influence of the material is less important. The results have been divided into two large groups with thicknesses of more than 1 mm and less than 1 mm. Parameter variation inside each group mainly depends on sheet material coating. The optimum cutting areas and the quality of the cut evaluated with different criteria are presented. Finally, the best position for the laser beam has been observed to be underneath the sheet.