is this really a CO2 laser at work ?

[Anodiser]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h476ypvOY0c

is goes against all ive read...

[NickWL]

The laser isn't really doing the cutting, it's the 4 cubic feet a minute of pure oxygen straight onto the hotspot created by the laser that causes precise and massive oxidation (burning) with associated increase in temp.
Unlike a true laser cut, this is actually 'burning' rather than just heating.
I think.

Nick

[Anodiser]

i was under the impression that the wave length of the laser denoted the cutting capabilities . and with metal and a CO" laser there was a problem with reflection and that the co2 wavelength just bounced off the metal surface . just surprised to see that adding O2 changes things so drastically.

[NickWL]

Like I said: "I think" that's the explanation.
I've cut 2" steel with an oxy-acetylene torch and that's done by turning up the oxygen until the steel 'catches fire' – the heat of the torch alone wouldn't begin to go through it. Im kinda assuming the same principle is at work here - but I freely admit it's only an assumption!