Laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic using a 30 kW fiber laser

• DOI: 10.2351/1.4906304
• Publication Date: 2015-02-27T01:30:19Z
• Authors: Dirk Herzog; Matthias Schmidt-...; Marten Canisius; Max Oberlander; Jan-Philipp Tasche; Claus Emmelmann
• Keywords: Laser cutting; Carbon fibers

Today, industrial usage of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is steadily increasing, with an amount 67 000 ton/yr [“Carbon fibers and plastics (CFRP)—A global market overview,” Report, Research Markets Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, 2013]. Products such as the Boeing 787 Airbus A350 in aerospace sector, well BMW i3 from automotive industry consist more than 50% CFRP their structural weight. At same time, these products also have comparatively high production volumes, e.g., >10 cars/yr case [“BMW undertakes launch EV,” see http://www.ihs.com/products/global-insight/industry-economic-report.aspx?id=1065981621, May 20, 2014]. Therefore, a higher degree automation cost-efficiency needed production. Due to highly abrasive fibers, conventional machining processes result short tool life costs. laser cutting wear-free alternative has lately become focus several research groups. Two different approaches are commonly chosen: by short- ultra-short pulsed systems reach process regime cold ablation continuous wave (cw) lasers at speeds. For latter approach, it already been shown that increasing power speed, heat affected zone (HAZ) can be reduced due less time allowed for conduction [Bluemel et al., “Laser using laser—Investigation on zone,” Proceedings 15th European Conference Composite Materials, Venice, Italy (2012)]. Graf Weber introduced perpendicular flow model, calculating required intensity cut 2 mm HAZ 10 μm cw 109 W/cm2. The speed 8.3 m/s [T. R. Weber, applications composite materials,” EALA, Bad Nauheim, Germany (2012), pp. 289–299]. In this paper, experiments ultra-high system 30 kW laminates presented. Although not possible fully achieve intensities proposed approx. 108 W/cm2 setup still allow practical validation very power. intensities, speeds per pass necessary. A special experimental chosen rotational movement specimen, reaching feed rate 85 m/s. was considerably 78 system, 10% lower 5 under comparable conditions. today no scanner available could handle speeds, show processing highest potential order reduce damage material.