Study on three-dimensional laser cutting technology in auto-body panel

In this paper, three-dimensional cutting test of auto-body panel was carried out by CO2 laser on the five-axis linkage numerical control cutting machine. First, the advantage of adopting 3D laser cutting method to process Auto-body Panel was summarized, and the essential factor in cutting quality was discussed. Then, the technical difficulty in three-dimensional laser cutting was addressed, and several experiments and theory analysis on problems such as collision and overburning at upslope, downslope, and corner were conducted, with corresponding improvement methods and solutions proposed. Finally, the cutting quality was evaluated with respect to kerf width, surface roughness, and the size of heat affected zone (HAZ). The experimental results indicated that to obtain three dimensional cutting workpiece with superior cutting quality and high cutting precision, the incident angle changed with the pose of cutting head should be limited to 20°. Narrow kerf (0.28~0.50mm), smooth surface (2.68μm~7.22μm) and small heat affected zone (appr. 70μm) can be obtained under the condition of appropriate technological parameters. Besides, overburning can be eliminated effectively at upslope, downslope and corner by decreasing laser power, adopting pulse laser, or using the air as assisting gas alternatively.