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CALCut

CALCut

Laser cutting model and simulation

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CALCut - Computer Aided Laser Cutting

CALCut Mission

CALCut guides from know-how to know-why.

Objective

CALCut is a simulation tool for calculating and optimizing the laser beam cutting process.

Task

CALCut calculates the interaction of laser beam and workpiece during the cutting process.

Method

CALCut is based on a comprehensive, steady-state, three-dimensional physical model of the laser beam cutting process.

Result

CALCut takes into account all important process parameters and calculates the cutting front and the resulting cut kerf.

▢◁ Video: CALCut calculates an ambitious laser beam cutting process

CALCut Course

CALCut simulation results are proven since more than three decades

Input

CALCut takes into account the material, material thickness, laser wavelength, beam quality, beam power and power density distribution, polarization, raw beam diameter, focusing optics, focal length, focal position, cutting gas type and pressure as well as the cutting speed.

Model

The parameterization of the cutting front is based on vertically stacked, semicircular cutting front segments of defined height being horizontally resolved by discrete facets. In a closed formulation, the three-dimensional, steady-state model links all relevant physical sub-processes of the beam, its interaction with the material and the resulting transition to melt and vapor.

Simulation

In the steady-state equilibrium, the cutting front fulfills the balance of absorbed power density and the local heat-flow requirement. Power, mass and force balances, a boundary layer approximation of the heat flow at the flank and two continuity conditions for vertex and flank provide the governing equations for each segment.

Output

CALCut enables the three-dimensional stationary cutting front geometry and the resulting cut kerf geometry to be calculated. CALCut identifies the spatial distributions of the physical properties of the cutting front. Automatic iteration determines the highest possible cutting speed. The analysis of the cutting front geometry and the distribution functions also allows conclusions to be drawn about the achievable cut quality.

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