Optimization of laser cutting of reinforced pvc sheet

Abstract

Composite sheets are widely used. These sheets are usually composites, consisting of a polymer matrix and fiber materials. Since there is a need for sheets in different sizes, they must be cut in parts. Several cutting technologies are used for this purpose, e.g., application of special knives, scissors, or water-jet. Besides their well-known benefits, there are some disadvantages, partly due to the direct connection between the tool and the material. To reduce, the application of laser beam cutting technology has expanded in the last decades. The purpose of our research was to test the application of a laser beam in cutting reinforced PVC sheet to find the optimal technology parameters. We found that a CO2 laser machine can cut PVC-PA composite sheets with acceptable edge quality. Optimal parameter setting is V = 100 mm/s cutting velocity and P = 30 W laser power. The experiments could not prove the correlation among line energy, edge quality, and area of HAZ. V has a significant effect on tensile strength with 20 and 30 mm/s. The maximum tensile strength is 868 N for warp cutting direction, which was produced by V = 25 mm/s.

Composite sheets are widely used. These sheets are usually composites, consisting of a polymer matrix and fiber materials. Since there is a need for sheets in different sizes, they must be cut in parts. Several cutting technologies are used for this purpose, e.g., application of special knives, scissors, or water-jet. Besides their well-known benefits, there are some disadvantages, partly due to the direct connection between the tool and the material. To reduce, the application of laser beam cutting technology has expanded in the last decades. The purpose of our research was to test the application of a laser beam in cutting reinforced PVC sheet to find the optimal technology parameters. We found that a CO2 laser machine can cut PVC-PA composite sheets with acceptable edge quality. Optimal parameter setting is V = 100 mm/s cutting velocity and P = 30 W laser power. The experiments could not prove the correlation among line energy, edge quality, and area of HAZ. V has a significant effect on tensile strength with 20 and 30 mm/s. The maximum tensile strength is 868 N for warp cutting direction, which was produced by V = 25 mm/s.