Manufacturing Technology Process of Laser Cutting Using Waterjet Machining

The article presents the results of experimental and production studies dedicated to investigating the influence of the surface quality of metal products cleaned using hydro-abrasive technology (based on the use of bentonite clay in a water jet) on the laser cutting speed. To analyze the impact of various hydro-abrasive treatment (HAT) parameters on the efficiency of laser cutting of metal surfaces, production tests were carried out. During these tests, three groups of samples made of St10 structural steel, with dimensions of 200´200 mm and thicknesses ranging from 2 to 12 mm, were used. The choice of this steel grade is due to its widespread use in mechanical engineering for making machines, mechanisms, and welded structures, along with its excellent combination of high strength characteristics with a relatively low cost. The use of bentonite clay with a concentration of Kb = 2–3 % in the working jet leads to an increase in the force impact and the formation of a film coating on the cleaned part; soda ash with a concentration of Kk.s = 2–3 % allows the working solution to be kept in suspension; carbon black with a concentration of Kszh = 11–13 % promotes the formation of a film coating with high light-absorbing properties; water eliminates dust formation in the processing zone. The presented study confirms that the HAT method is effective (compared to shot blasting) for increasing the productivity of the laser cutting process (St10) by 15–20 %. The implementation of a modernized technological process based on the use of hydro-abrasive treatment (HAT) instead of traditional shot blasting allows for the complete elimination of the operation previously intended for removing burrs from the part surface. The absence of burrs, along with the increased speed of laser cutting, is directly due to the preliminary processing of the workpiece (in the form of a protective casing) using HAT method, implemented with an innovative patented composition.

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