Small Laser Metal Cutting Capacity
From Coherent Laser - http://www.coherent.com/applications/index.cfm?fuseaction=forms.applevel2&applevel2id=64
For CO2 laser - appears that 150W can cut up to 1/8" steel.
Oxygen assist - assists cutting speed. http://www.synrad.com/search_apps/application_briefs/90-9.htm.
Physics
- See Laser Fabrication and Machininng of Materials - [1]
Examples
- Kern Laser 150W laser claims .09" cutting capacity for mild steel with oxygen assist.
- 100W for 1/40" at 40psi oxygen assist yields 130 ipm
- Thick steel - this graph indicates 5x increase in cutting thickness from high pressure oxygen assist