Laser processing of glass fiber reinforced composite material: a review

Abstract

Composite materials are nowadays having gained a lot of interest. Through numerous studies, the damage to glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites increased, while traditional machining processes, like cutting and drilling. This is due to the fact that difference in the material properties of fibre and matrix. However, unconventional methods showed minimal damage to the surface with precision. The damage occurred in GFRP composite comprised of delamination, cracking of the material at the edge as well as tool wear so laser machining is generally preferred as there is no contact between tool and workpiece, any tool wear and vibrations. The objective of this study to give an overview of the cutting of GFRP composite and the quality of cut surface by analysing the heat-affected zone, taper angle and kerf width. The aim of this study to reveal the damages occurred due to operational parameters and found that the surface quality improved by optimising laser power, scan speed and standoff distance.

Keywords:

• GFRP
• HAZ
• taper angle
• kerf width