Effects of Laser Cutting Main Parameters on Microhardness and Microstructure Changes of Stainless Steel

Laser cutting of materials is becoming the preferred method of cutting. It has many advantages over conventional machining techniques such as better quality of cuts, quick and accurate cutting. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of the main input laser cutting parameters, laser power and cutting speed, on the microhardness of stainless steel sheets obtained by CO2 laser cutting. The experimental tests were performed at various laser powers and cutting speeds. The cut surface was studied based on microhardness depth profiles beneath the machined surface. In order to investigate the metallurgical alterations beneath the cut surface, the microstructure was observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the microhardness and the surface microstructure are affected by laser cutting. Laser cutting leads to the formation of periodic striations and cracks. Also the main parameters of cutting, laser power and cutting speed, have an effect on surface microstructure and microhardness.