FEM modeling simulation of laser engraving

In this paper, a 3D simulation model for nanosecond pulsed laser engraving process is developed, using the finite element method (FEM) aiming at the prediction of the final geometry of the workpiece and optimizing the process. A general heat transfer model is adapted where the incidence laser beam causing the material ablation is modeled using a Gaussian surface heat source, taking into account the interaction between the laser beam, the workpiece material, and the generated metal-vapor plasma. To validate the simulation model, a large set of experiments was performed for the purpose of comparing the experimental with the simulation results. The experiments were conducted on stainless steel and a pressure vessel steel plate using the DMG MORI Lasertec 40 machine for various combinations of the three machining process parameters: average power, repetition rate, and scanning speed. The experimental results positively validated the simulation model. Τhe numerical results were examined and some conclusions were drawn about the effect of the machining parameters on the laser engraving process.