Gas assisted laser cutting of thin and fragile materials

摘要

An improved method and apparatus for laser cutting a thin fragile material using a high velocity assist gas to remove molten material and laser-generated debris is characterized by the high velocity assist gas exerting substantially zero force on the material being cut. An improved form of gas assist laser gas assist nozzle is shaped to achieve a supersonic gas flow velocity that is used advantageously to effect rapid removal of ejected gas and other materials.