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.
Laser Processing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics – Release of Carbon Fiber Segments During Short-pulsed Laser Processing of CFRP