Cutting of fiber reinforced polymers with a CW CO-2 laser: An experimental study

A 250 W CO2 CW laser cutter auxiliary equipment, especially the gas nozzle with novel features for the protection gas (air, nitrogen, argon, helium, or carbon dioxide) are described. Cutting results, e.g., the dependance of maximum cutting speed on different parameters, are reported. A simple thermic model is given for the description of the influence of anisotropy. A method for cut quality diagnosis is outlined and preliminary tests presented. Good cutting results are noted for aramid fibers/epoxy and glass fibers/epoxy composites while boron fibers/epoxy and carbon fibers/epoxy were hard to process. As protection gas, carbon dioxide is preferable for glass fibers, and helium for boron fibers.