Laser cutting - heat affected zone
Laser cutting - heat affected zone
(OP)
We currently have som parts made from 304 stainless steel. These aparts are approximately 3mm thick. Our supplier has asked if he can supply them as laser cut (as opposed to having machined edges). I am concerened that the heat affected zone will show as a brown discolouration band around the edge. In previous trials of similar laser-cut components, the discolouration always returns after polishing.
Is there a way of permanently preventing the discolouration?
Is there a way of permanently preventing the discolouration?





RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
I thought that the HAZ is a microstructural change in the metal, would passivation undo this change? Excuse my ignorance in this area.
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
A quick thing to try is go by a motorcycle shop and get a container of "Blue Away" or small package of Semichrome and try these two. Blue away is the more agressive product.
If either of these material don't get the job done you may have to pickle and passivate the part to clear this up.
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessor.com
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
RE: Laser cutting - heat affected zone
The sensitizatio itself will not change the look of the material. I lean toward the heat tint as the cause.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion, every where, all the time.
Manage it or it will manage you.
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