Application of CO, Laser to Concrete Cutting

Abstract

5 kW and 20 kW CO₂ laser continuously operating at 10.6, μm were successfully used to cut various kinds of concrete. The output power of the laser, the position of the focal spot, the speed of the laser spot on the material, the species and pressure of the gasses used to assist the cutting were changed as parameters in this experiments. This paper describes the results of these experiments. From the results, it is concluded that the laser beam will be used to cut various types of concretes in the near future, though some difficulties must be solved for actual application.