What is meant by the term 'heat-affected zone' (HAZ) in laser processing?

The term 'heat-affected zone' (HAZ) refers to the area surrounding the laser cut where the material undergoes changes in its properties due to the heat introduced during the laser processing. When a laser cuts or welds a material, the intense heat causes thermal effects that can alter the microstructure of the material in the vicinity of the cut. This can lead to changes in hardness, strength, and other mechanical properties due to factors such as recrystallization or phase transformations.

Understanding the HAZ is critical in laser processing because it can significantly influence the performance and durability of the final product. Designers and engineers must take into account the properties of the HAZ when evaluating the integrity and suitability of materials for specific applications.