Metallurgical characteristics of laser cut aerospace alloys

With the advent of newer materials characterization techniques, it is now possible to obtain a greater understanding of the metallurgical changes that occur during the laser processing of materials. Of particular interest is the laser cutting of aerospace alloys. Interaction of the laser beam with these materials can produce metallurgical, thermal or mechanical effects that may be undesirable or could affect their potential service performance. A fundamental characterization of these effects will assist in the acceptance of laser cutting in various aerospace applications.