Observation of cross-section surface after cutting of CFRP with UV laser Available to Purchase

CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a new material featuring light and high strength. It has been expectedas a material for automobile and airplane productions since the weight of them are reduced by using CFRP. Laser is one of useful cutting tools of CFRP. However, in case of cutting CFRP by using a laser, HAZ (Heat Affected Zone) is formed at laser irradiation area. Strength of CFRP is lowered by HAZ formed. Laser wavelengthis an important factor for reducing HAZ. Laser absorption rates of a carbon fiber and a resin depend on laser wavelength. The size of HAZ might be varied due to the absorption rates of carbon fiber and resin. However, suitable laser wavelength for reduction of HAZ is not still cleared. A CFRP was cross-ply laminates molded with epoxy resin in this experiment. The CFRP plate was cut with a UV nanosecondlaser. The pulse width and the repetition rate were 6ns and 10 Hz, respectively. The surface and the cross-section of the CFRP plate were observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) after the cutting.