Optimization of an off-axis nozzle for assist gas injection in laser fusion cutting

The aerodynamic features of the gas flow during laser fusion cutting are an essential factor influencing the cut performance. For this reason it has been a subject of some studies to explain the interactions of the gas jet with the workpiece and to design different gas injection systems with the aim of preventing the drawbacks of the conventional cutting heads.An off-axis cutting head with a de Laval nozzle to inject a supersonic gas jet has been previously demonstrated to be an effective design to achieve a complete removal of the molten material from the cutting front and to avoid the formation of the recast layer. In the present work, the fundamentals and procedures to adjust the main factors determining the efficiency of this gas injection system are described. Specifically, the gas flow inside the cut kerf is analysed by means of flow visualization using the Schlieren technique.