SSAB, Sweden, reports that both its Hardox and Domex high-strength steels meet all demands for laser cutting and can be processed with the same cutting parameters as unalloyed steel grades such as S235. All Hardox and Domex steels can be perfectly laser cut because of their consistent steel properties, tight thickness tolerances, outstanding flatness, and surface finish, as well as optimized chemical composition. The high steel quality also allows for smaller radii and ensures accurate results when bending.
“Contrary to popular belief, a laser beam has the same effect regardless of whether a material is soft or hard,” explains Anders Ivarson, a thermal cutting and welding specialist at the SSAB Knowledge Service Center. Since a laser beam is bundled light made up of a certain wavelength, it does not matter whether the light is directed at a hard or a soft steel, the material is heated regardless.
“For example, the melting temperature of our High Strength Steel Domex 700 is exactly the same as that of S235GR, which includes no alloying elements of any kind. This is why a laser cutting machine with the same parameters can cut Domex 355, 420 or 700 equally well,” explains Mr. Ivarson.
The experiences of Bystronic, one of the leading manufacturers of laser cutting machines also confirms this. “During our in-house exhibition, we processed Hardox and Domex exclusively and were able to show around 900 visitors from 50 countries that it is possible to cut and bend this material perfectly, even in larger thicknesses. Currently there is still a certain level of reluctance by our customers to use such high strength material – but without cause,” says Mario Duppenthaler, Product Manager Laser & Automation at Bystronic.
