Influences of CO2 Laser, FKL Laser, and Mechanical Cutting on the Magnetic Properties of Electrical Steel Sheets

The degrading influence of different cutting techniques on the magnetic behavior of electrical steel sheets has been well recognized. However, more research is needed to understand how the influences of different cutting techniques compare, notably with respect to laser versus mechanical cutting and for different materials. This paper addresses the influences of CO₂ laser cutting, FKL laser cutting, and mechanical cutting on the magnetization characteristics and specific losses of electrical steel sheets determined by Epstein frame measurements on rectangular samples and by the measurements of stator lamination stacks. Experimental results based on three different materials commonly used with electric machines and investigated at different frequencies are provided.