CUTTING GLASS-FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES USING CO2-LASER WITH MULTIMODAL-GAUSSIAN DISTRIBUTION

This paper deals with cutting glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) co mposites using a CO2 laser with multimodal-Gaussian power distribution . An analytical model is proposed which allows the depth of the kerf t o be predicted as a function of the direction of beam travel in relati on to the material being worked. The model allows us to describe the b eam power distribution on the basis of two separate measurements of th e cutting depth, made on a sample material (polymethylmetacrylate). Th e test results are used to calculate the depth of the kerf obtained in different working conditions on two types of GFRP. The experimental d ata show substantial agreement with the theoretical predictions given by the model.