CO2 laser cutting of a carbon/carbon multi-lamelled plain-weave structure

Laser cutting of composite structure consisting of 64 layers of plain-weave carbon/carbon fibers with 0 degrees orientation is carried out. The influence of laser power on the kerf size is examined experimentally as well as analytically. The scale law analysis is introduced to predict the kerf width. The striation formation on the kerf edges is examined using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that kerf width size increases with increasing laser power intensity. The orientation of the carbon fiber axis relative to the axis of workpiece movement during cutting has significant effect on the kerf size. Use of nitrogen as assisting gas suppresses the oxidation reactions taking place in the cutting section. This, in turn, minimizes the side ways burning and edge irregularities in the cutting section. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.