The application of composites and in particular CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) for lightweight construction is a booming market. This material tends to gradually replace metals and alloys in many applications such as automotive, renewable energies, aerospace… Indeed, composite materials combine high mechanical performances, low weight and good corrosion resistance. However this highly technical material requires innovative processes in its manufacture, its machining and its maintenance. Laser processes such as cutting, drilling, surface activation and cleaning can compete with conventional and alternative processes. In this paper, we report on paint and polymer layer removal on CFRP substrate with several laser technologies. In addition we make a comparison with alternative processes such as high pressure waterjet, cryogenic pellet and sodium bicarbonate.
In order to determine the specific advantages and drawbacks of different laser technologies, we compare different laser/matter interaction, thermo-mechanical and photochemical processes. For thermo-mechanical processes, we used IR and green fiber laser, Nd:YAG, CO2 TEA and a hand-held laser tool used for cleaning paint on metal and pollutants on stone. For photochemical processes, we used and UV fiber laser and an Excimer source. With these, we can compare the results between the use of high pulse energy (J) at low repetition rate (<100Hz) and the use of low pulse energy (µJ-mJ) at high repetition rate (>10kHz). Results are evaluated in terms of feasibility and damage characterization of carbon fiber or epoxy resin.