Evaluation of dynamic beam shaping approaches for the optimization of laser beam cutting of thick-section stainless steel sheets with high-brilliant laser sources

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Beyer
• Subject Area: Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 298949414

The proposed research project primarily aims at the optimization of thick-section fusion cutting of steel sheets with thicknesses greater than 8 mm by use of high-dynamic beam shaping methods. The intended analysis is strictly based on methods of the design-of-experiments (DoE) approach. Fundamental understanding of the complex and non-linear dependencies (as proven by a preliminary experimental study) between common static cutting parameters, dynamic control variables of the beam oscillation approach as well as the interesting responses including cutting efficiency, cut kerf geometry and cut edge roughness is expected as a result of the intended work. The experimental investigations are focused on the use of recent solid-state laser sources that currently show some deficiencies for thick-section cutting applications with respect to achievable production qualities in comparison to that of the well-established CO2 lasers, and therefore offer a high potential for process improvements. The experiments will be performed by use of the latest high-performance scanning devices allowing for extended parameter ranges with oscillation frequencies up to 4 kHz that were not addressable in preliminary investigations. Regression models describing the functional dependencies between control variables (factors), interactions and responses will be developed as a result of the applied DoE methods that in turn will be used to find the most appropriate parameter constellations for process optimization under variable conditions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants