Laser Cutting of Copper and Brass Alloys by High Brilliance Diode Source with an Extremely Low BPP

Copper and copper-based alloys are difficult materials to laser cut due to their high thermal conductivity, high reflectivity and tendency to lose zinc on the zone adjacent to the cut. The study explores the potential of laser cutting process of copper and brass sheets with a TeraDiode TeraBlade direct diode source whose high brilliance is given by the very low BPP and by the small fiber diameter (100 micron). Results show that it is possible to obtain good quality cuts operating with nitrogen and oxygen assist gas in the case of brass and copper alloys respectively. Moreover larger process stability, higher productivity and easier-to-cut conditions are obtained cutting brass alloys than pure copper.