Assessment and Optimization of CO2 Laser Cutting Process of PMMA
Abstract
The width of kerfs and quality of the cut edges, are affected by laser process parameters. In addition to the work-piece material thickness, laser power, cutting speed, compressed air pressure, and focal point position are the main factors affecting the process output. In this paper CO2 laser cutting of four thicknesses of Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) were investigated by implementing Box-Behnken design to develop the experiment. The aim of this work is to relate the cutting edge quality parameters namely: upper kerf (UK), lower kerf (LK) and the ratio between upper to lower kerfs to the process parameters mentioned above. Then, an optimization routine was applied in line to define the optimal cutting conditions. Mathematical models were developed to determine the relationship between the process parameters and the process output. The optimal laser cutting conditions were found.
- Publication:
-
American Institute of Physics Conference Series
- Pub Date:
- January 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3552409
- Bibcode:
- 2011AIPC.1315.1553E
- Keywords:
-
- gas lasers;
- plastic deformation;
- polymers;
- design of experiments;
- 42.55.Lt;
- 81.40.Lm;
- 82.35.Gh;
- 07.05.Fb;
- Gas lasers including excimer and metal-vapor lasers;
- Deformation plasticity and creep;
- Polymers on surfaces;
- adhesion;
- Design of experiments