An investigation of pulsed laser cutting of titanium alloy sheet

Subsequent welding requirement calls for high-quality laser cut surfaces in the laser cutting of bladed ring parts for aeroengines. This paper presents pulsed laser cutting of titanium alloy sheet and investigates the influences of laser cutting parameters on laser cut quality factors including heat-affected zone (HAZ), surface morphology and corrosion resistance. The thickness of HAZ lasers is studied in detail as a function of laser cutting parameters. For different assist gases the surface morphology and corrosion resistance show great differences. In comparison with air- and nitrogen-assisted laser cutting, argon-assisted laser cutting comes with unaffected surface quality and is suitable for laser cutting with subsequent welding requirement.