This paper describes a novel technique for making fine cuts in metal plates and foils. The process is based on a variant of the magnetic saw effect, a magnetic instability associated with high pulsed magnetic fields. When not controlled, the magnetic saw effect can lead to failure in high-field pulsed conductors.
By limiting energy and pulse duration, the authors have produced controlled cuts with kerfs as fine as 0.01 mm. These promising results motivated a systematic study of the parameters that govern the quality and reproducibility of magnetic saw cuts. This paper provides an overview of the technique, of some key experiments, and of the practical issues associated with using pulsed magnetic fields for manufacturing.