Laser Cutting Technologies and Corresponding Pollution Control Strategy

Abstract

In conjunction with the increasing demand for material cutting, such as the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities, advanced cutting technologies need be developed to increase precision and cost-effectiveness. As compared with other cutting technologies, laser cutting offers advantages of greater cutting precision, accuracy, and customization. In this work, we investigated the constitution, classification, and current status of this technology. Pollutant emission during laser cutting, corresponding pollution control methods and apparatus were proposed as well. Laser cutting equipment mainly comprises an automated system integrating a fiber laser, industrial computer, servo motor control, electrical control, and detection technology. It mainly consists of mechanical and electrical control parts. Laser cutting equipment is distinguished by light source, power, and cutting dimensions. Known variants of laser cutting technology involve vaporization, fusion, reactive fusion, and controlled fracture cutting. During the cutting process, dust, smoke, and aerosols can be released, which is an environmental concern and poses a threat to public health. The selection of the dedusting method and design of apparatus should take into account the dust removal rate, initial capital cost, maintenance cost, etc. Multi-stage filtration such as bag filtration combined with activated carbon filtration or electrostatic filtration is accepted.

Characterization of Emissions from Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Acrylic Plastics

“…Laser cutters are used in various industries because of their ability to cut and engrave different materials at a high degree of accuracy and precision without having to constantly change tools due to wear from repetitive use. , Because of their compact size, low cost, and reliability, these laser cutters can be placed in small workspaces, classrooms, offices, and other convenient locations. Compact laser cutters produce high-intensity infrared light beams that can reach hundreds of watts/cm 2 of power density to achieve cutting and engraving material such as glass, metals, polymers, and wood. − The high-intensity beams cause melting, evaporation, and volatilization of the material, which in turn generate emissions in the form of gases, chemical vapors, and particulate matter that are referred to as laser-generated air contaminants (LGACs). ,,, The types of LGACs released from laser cutting will depend on various factors such as the type of material used, the speed and power at which the laser cutter is operated, and the duration of the cut. − …”

“… 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 The types of LGACs released from laser cutting will depend on various factors such as the type of material used, the speed and power at which the laser cutter is operated, and the duration of the cut. 5 − 7 …”

Optimization of Tensile Strength in the Paper Material Cutting Process Based on CO2 Laser Process Parameters

“…Although invented in 1960 [ 1 ], laser technology is still considered to be a new innovative tool in manufacturing industries, and the conventional manufacturing methods remain present and widely used. As a widespread technology with distinguish efficiency and accuracy, as well as a promising future, laser cutting has been extensively applied in the cutting of various materials: wood-based materials [ 2 , 3 ], concrete [ 4 ], cement-based materials [ 5 , 6 ], polymeric materials, such as polymethyl methacrylate [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], polypropylene [ 8 ], and polystyrene [ 10 ], as well as various metallic materials: stainless steel [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], carbon steel [ 17 ], aluminum alloy [ 17 ], and metallic plates [ 18 ]. The first use of the laser in the paper industry dates back to the 1970s, when laser was introduced for perforating cigarette paper, cutting paper, and paperboard [ 19 ].…”

Characterisation of Particles Emitted during Laser Cutting of Various Metal Sheets and an Exposure Assessment for the Laser Operators

“…These advanced cutting machines include, but are not limited to, mechanical cutting by abrasive water jet cutting as well as thermal cutting by plasma or laser beam. Laser cutting technologies with pollution strategies are summarised by He et al [ 1 ]. Compared to the other techniques, laser beam cutting is cost-effective and can cut any complex material with a thickness up to 10 cm with high productivity, and leaves relatively thin kerf, yielding excellent precision of the cut [ 2 ].…”