The Characterization of Aerosols Generated During the Cutting of Metallic Materials with Lasers

Abstract

This paper describes the properties of aerosols produced during the cutting of metallic sheets with lasers. For sheet thicknesses of 0.5 – 3 mm, particles with median geometric diameter within the range 2–2.5 µm were formed composed of Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo or Zn depending on the composition of each steel. The quantity of aerosol produced increased as the thickness of the sheet decreased. This is reflected in the concentration values recorded in this investigation which have been compared with TLVs.

Keywords:

• Laser
• cutting
• metals
• aerosols
• safety
• hygiene