Experimental study on the picosecond pulsed laser cutting of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics

An experimental investigation of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics cutting with an Nd:YVO4 picosecond pulsed system was presented. One-factor experimental design was used in order to explain the influence of cutting parameters including laser power, hatch distance and cutting speed on the pulsed laser-material interaction. The process parameters were optimized by using central composite design of response surface methodology. The results in kerf width, taper angle, material removal rate, and heat-affected zones were discussed through the micrographs observed with optical microscope. Specimens were cut with three different tools: picosecond pulsed laser, nanosecond pulsed laser, and conventional cutting, and the tensile strength and bending strength tests were conducted. Furthermore, the effect of the heat-affected zones on the static strength was also analyzed.