Two-Color Imaging Pyrometer Temperature Measurements of the Kerf Front During Laser Cutting

摘要

Temperature measurements of the kerf front during steady state laser cutting have been recorded with an imaging two-color pyrometer. This allowed spatial resolution of the temperature profile across and along the kerf front, independent of oxidization level and consequent changes in surface emissivity. Experimental conditions included thin (3-mm) and thick (9.5-mm) mild steel with oxygen assist, as well as 3-mm 304 stainless steel with both high-pressure (1500 kPa) nitrogen and low-pressure (150 kPa) oxygen assist. The measured temperatures can be compared with calculations based on heat conduction modeling and the molten layer thickness predicted from a fluid dynamic model.