Laser cutting with chemical reaction assist

Patent · 16 November 1992

OSTI ID:7233764

Gettemy, D J

A method is described for cutting with a laser beam where an oxygen-hydrocarbon reaction is used to provide auxiliary energy to a metal workpiece to supplement the energy supplied by the laser. Oxygen is supplied to the laser focus point on the workpiece by a nozzle through which the laser beam also passes. A liquid hydrocarbon is supplied by coating the workpiece along the cutting path with the hydrocarbon prior to laser irradiation or by spraying a stream of hydrocarbon through a nozzle aimed at a point on the cutting path which is just ahead of the focus point during irradiation. 1 figure.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5164567; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-681293
• OSTI ID: 7233764
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
AUGMENTATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CUTTING
CUTTING TOOLS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
LASER RADIATION
MACHINING
METALS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
RADIATIONS
TOOLS