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This paper gives the results of a detailed examination of the particles ejected from the cut zone during CO2 laser cutting of mild and stainless steels. Cuts were carried out over a range of material thickness at the optimum speed for each at a laser power of 900 Watts. Particles ejected from the cut zone were collected and analyzed to establish their chemical and physical characteristics. Analysis techniques included Scanning Electron Microscopy, wet chemical analysis, optical microscopy, metallography and particle sizing. The results from this extensive analysis have enabled the authors to estimate the heat generated by the oxidation process during cutting of both mild and stainless steels.

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This paper is a continuation of work published in an earlier edition of this journal[1]. Both papers deal with the results of a detailed analysis of the particles ejected from the cut zone during laser cutting of mild and stainless steels. Reference 1 presented the thermochemical data and discussion generated by the experimental investigation. This paper concentrates on the physical characteristics and metallography of the particles. Analysis techniques used included: Scanning Electron Microscopy, optical microscopy, metallography and particle sizing. The results from this extensive analysis have enabled the authors to postulate oxidation histories for the particles. In addition to this it has been possible to explain the variation in particle size for various material thicknesses.