Analysis and prediction of laser cutting parameters of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) composite materials

A theoretical model is presented considering the spatial distribution of th e laser beam, interaction time between the laser and the work material, abs orption coefficient of the laser beam at the laser wavelength and the therm al properties of the material. It is assumed that the laser energy is absor bed through the entire thickness of the material. The developed model predi cts the various parameters in laser cutting of composite materials such as kerf width at the entry and at the exit, material removal rate and energy t ransmitted through the cut kerf. The theoretical analysis also determines t he position of the beam with respect to the cutting front. Experiments for different laser and material combinations to evaluate the effects of cuttin g parameters on the cut quality were carried out to compare with the predic ted results. The results obtained show very good agreement. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.