Primary investigation of oxidation influence on the cutting front profile during high-thickness laser cutting

In laser cutting, numerous studies have investigated the kerf profile to prevent striation formation and improve the cutting quality. This preliminary work discusses laser cutting for dismantling, where the cutting quality is not a relevant parameter. However, the shape of the cutting front, particularly its inclination, plays a crucial role in the propagation of the residual laser energy. Two approaches are presented to quantify the cutting front angle using high-speed cameras. One method observes the cutting front, while the other captures the transmitted laser energy reaching the background. The effect of oxidation on the cutting front angle is studied by changing the assist gas type between nitrogen and air, as well as varying the flow rate.