Physics and technology of the laser metal processing: analysis of processing modes of the 12Х18Н10Т steel

The article discusses the physical foundations of laser metalworking processes, including the features of the interaction of laser radiation with the material, the mechanisms of energy absorption and the patterns of thermal effects in the processing area. The aim of the research is to determine the rational modes of laser treatment of the 12X18H10T steel, minimizing the zone of thermal influence and improving the quality of the treated surface.

The authors conduct the analysis of the processes of melting, evaporation and formation of the thermal influence zone during laser cutting of metal materials. Moreover, the authors present an overview of the main types of industrial lasers used in modern laser processing technologies, including gas, solid-state and fiber laser sources, as well as their technological features, advantages and applications. Special attention is made on the effect of processing modes on the surface quality and the size of the modified layer. The article considers the properties and functions of process gases used in laser cutting and metal plating, as well as their effect on melt removal efficiency and reduction of thermal defects.

The experimental part demonstrates the laser cutting of the 12X18H10T steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm on a DMG MORI Lasertec 20 installation with varying laser radiation power. The article analyses the structure of the modified layer and the nature of the thermal effect on the material and also establishes optimal processing parameters to ensure the minimum thickness of the heat-affected zone and stable cut formation. The results confirm the high efficiency of the laser technologies usage in the processing of stainless steels and the possibility to use them for high-precision manufacturing of thin-sheet structures for aviation and machine-building purposes.

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