Fusion Cutting

Fusion cutting is another standard process employed in processing metals. But it can also be used in cutting other fusible materials such as ceramics.

Nitrogen or argon is used as the cutting gas here. The gas is blown through the kerf at pressures ranging from 2 to 20 bar. Argon and nitrogen are inert gases. This means that they do not react with the molten metal in the kerf, but only blow it out toward the bottom. Simultaneously, they shield the cut edge from the air.

Nitrogen is suitable for use with almost all metals. The exception is titanium. Titanium reacts violently with both oxygen and nitrogen; therefore, argon is used to cut it.

The great advantage of fusion cutting: cut edges are oxide free and do not require further treatment. Nevertheless, the laser beam must supply all of the energy needed for cutting. For this reason, cutting speeds as high as those in flame cutting can be achieved only in thin sheets. Piercing is also more difficult. Some cutting systems allow you to use oxygen to pierce the material and then switch over to nitrogen for cutting.