Abstract
Investigation of the heat-affected zone during plasma cutting can significantly contribute to a better understanding of mechanical, structural, and chemical properties of a material in the kerf zone. The experimental research in this paper is concerned with the intense heat impact of a plasma jet on the surface layers of stainless steel. The heat-affected zone was investigated by measurement of its approximate width, analysis of its phase content, and transformations during the material cooling process, as well as measurements of micro-hardness near the cut edge. The material structural changes were related to the micro-hardness and temperature distribution in the workpiece. This research provides useful information about the heat-affected zone, its impact on the workpiece material properties, and the need for the secondary operations. The narrow heat-affected zone and the good quality and consistency of the cut result from favourable mechanical and thermophysical properties of austenitic stainless steel.
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Recommended for publication by Commission I - Additive Manufacturing, Surfacing, and Thermal Cutting
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Lazarevic, A., Lazarevic, D. Investigations of material hardness and structural changes in the heat-affected zone during plasma cutting. Weld World 61, 1069–1075 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-017-0510-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-017-0510-5