An Investigation into CO2 Laser Trimming of CFRP and GFRP Composites

The paper outlines results for an investigation of CO2 laser trimming of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composites. Process variables include cutting speed, laser beam power, gas pressure and workpiece material. These have been evaluated against key response measures involving material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness and kerf width. Higher MRRs have been obtained when trimming GFRP. Maximum MRR of 8 cm3/min was acquired when trimming GFRP at 1750 mm/min, 5 bar and 2500 watt respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that matrix constituent in both composites incurred to elevated cutting temperature which resulted in melting and adhering to the cut surface and adverse its quality. Greatest entry kerf width of 0.5 mm and 0.28 mm was measured for GFRP and CFRP samples respectively.