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in Fig. 12 (adapted from [1]). There are several modes of laser cutting as shown in
Fig. 13 (adapted from [1]). Vaporization cutting needs highest power density. Oxygen
is often used as an assist gas since it provides additional energy through exothermic
reaction. Sometimes gear manufacturers use profile laser cutting to generate the
teeth instead of machining. Even greeting card industry uses laser cutting of papers
to produce intricate artistic greeting cards.
Fig. 12 Laser cutting
Fig. 13 Modes of laser cutting