Recent developments in laser cutting of metallic materials

Laser cutting has become an extensively used method of material removal with cost effective solutions for complex manufacturing processes. An extensive research has been going on worldwide where researchers and industry experts are focusing on maximizing the productivity and reducing the cost while maintaining a high quality during laser cutting of engineered parts. Laser cutting, as the prevalent application of laser beam machining (LBM), offers a competitive advantage over conventional cutting processes in terms of material savings due to narrow kerf width, less heat affected zone and minimum distortions. The process offers high precision and good surface quality, with no tool wear and easy automation. The current paper aims to present an overview on the recent research on laser cutting of metallic materials, in terms of process monitoring and control as well as modeling and optimization, and to summarize the past five years of research on the topic.