3D simulation of spatial and temporal modulation in laser beam fusion cutting

Mean profile height and perpendicularity are, along with adherence of dross, the main quality features in laser fusion cutting of sheet metals. Research indicates that the dynamics of the thin melt film and the beam shape have a strong effect on these quality features. Recent measures to reduce the mean profile height include spatial and temporal modulation of the laser beam. A 3D simulation of the melt film dynamics is used to analyze the effect of these measures on the mean profile height and the perpendicularity of the cut surface. Insight into the temperature distribution inside the solid material allows a deeper understanding of how spatial and temporal modulation of the laser beam act on the cut surface. Furthermore, the effect of artificial additional beam sources can be analyzed. The most positive effect on the cut surface was created by a homogenous illumination of the side of the cutting front.