Cutting with the excimer laser, effects of pulse width and repetition rate on cutting edge quality of fibre-reinforced polymers and alumina ceramics.

Cutting of fibre reinforced polymers with lasers gives rise to some problems. The different thermal properties of the fibre and the matrix make it diffcult to achieve cuts with minimal thermal damage at the edges. The excimer laser radiation promises advantages over a treatment with the CO2 laser or the Nd:YAG laser. The formation of pores, grooves and cracks and the redeposition of ablated material in the kerf are shown in SEM micrographs. In case of alumina ceramics, a minimum pluse width - depending on the workpiece thickness - should be used to minimize recondensation of vapour in the kerf. The ablation depths per pulse and the feasible feedrates using excimer lasers nowadays available are given.