Effect of scanning spacing on the efficiency of CFRP hole-cutting with multi-pass scanning strategy by nanosecond laser

Short-pulse laser processing of CFRP can reduce heat damage, but the efficiency is limited. In this paper, the efficiency of CFRP hole-cutting with multi-pass scanning strategy by nanosecond laser was investigated. The differences in material removal mechanisms at different scanning spacing and the effect of different scanning spacing on processing efficiency were investigated. The results show that the material is removed by the combined effect of laser ablation and mechanical erosion effect with different scanning spacing, and the appropriate scanning spacing and number of passes can effectively utilize the effect of mechanical erosion to improve processing efficiency. With a repetition frequency of 80 kHz (pulse energy is 141.25 & mu;J), the shortest cutting time is 73.3 s, and the optimal scanning spacing is 0.06 mm (focused spot diameter is 22 & mu;m), which is 26.8 % more efficient compared to the scanning spacing of 0.08 mm and number of passes with 3; As laser repetition frequency increases, the optimal scanning spacing for processing efficiency increases and the optimal number of passes decreases.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the efficiency of CFRP hole-cutting using a nanosecond laser with a multi-pass scanning strategy. The study examines the differences in material removal mechanisms at different scanning spacing and the impact of scanning spacing on processing efficiency. Results show that material removal is achieved through the combined effect of laser ablation and mechanical erosion, and that the optimal scanning spacing and number of passes can effectively improve processing efficiency. With a repetition frequency of 80 kHz and a pulse energy of 141.25 μJ, the shortest cutting time is 73.3 s with an optimal scanning spacing of 0.06 mm. When compared to a scanning spacing of 0.08 mm and three passes, this configuration is 26.8% more efficient. Additionally, as the laser repetition frequency increases, the optimal scanning spacing for processing efficiency increases while the optimal number of passes decreases.