Abstract
Quality of cut is strongly dependent on the cutting pressure, so this relationship can be identified by pressure measuring system. In this paper, the experiments presented were performed with the devised pressure measuring system and the laser cutting of STS 304. Convergent type and convergent-divergent type nozzle were used for pressure variation of the distance between nozzle and workpiece. In laser cutting of STS 304, 1.0 kW CO $\_$2/ laser used. The convergent type nozzle(1.0 mm diameter) pressured above 3 kgf/cm $\^$2/, the MSD(Mach Shock Disk) created, which caused the the pressure variations of the distance between nozzle and workpiece. The maximum cutting pressure exists in accordance with the variation of distance. In spite of far distance the maximum cutting pressure is achieved by using the pressure measuring system. The higher cutting pressure beneath the workpiece the less quantity of dross and the kerf width. Since the higher cutting pressure helps to remove the quantity of dross and to stop the exothermic energy into the material. The optimum laser cutting parameter of STS 304(2.0 mm thickness) with the convergent type nozzle(1.0 mm diameter)is 0.75 mm and 2.5 mm distance between nozzle and workpiece, 4 kgf/cm $\^$2/ cutting pressure. In 3.0 mm thickness case, 1.5 mm and 2.25 mm distance is achieved for good quality.