High-power picosecond laser drilling/machining of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites

• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-016-9607-8
• Publication Date: 2016-01-22T07:04:29Z
• Authors: A. Salama; L. Li; P. Mativenga; A. Sabli
• Keywords: Laser drilling; Laser beam machining; Picosecond; Laser Ablation

The large differences in physical and thermal properties of the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite constituents make laser machining this material challenging. An extended heat-affected zone (HAZ) often occurs. availability ultrashort pulse sources such as picosecond lasers makes it possible to improve quality these materials. This paper reports an investigation on drilling CFRP composites using a state-of-the-art 400 W system. Small HAZs (<25 µm) were obtained entry side 6-mm-diameter hole drilled sample 6 mm thickness, whereas no HAZ was seen below top surface cut surfaces. Multiple ring removal strategy used. Furthermore, effect processing parameters power, scanning speed repetition rate sizes ablation depth investigated.