Simulation, statistical modeling, and optimization of CO2 laser cutting process of polycarbonate sheets

Laser cutting well-known as a manufacturing process is rapid, repeatable, and reliable method that frequently used for various materials such thermoplastics. Due to their physical chemical properties fatigue resistance, high toughness, re-melting properties, thermoplastics polycarbonate are widely in automotive parts, electronics, etc. In this study, numerical simulation of the laser by finite element developed. The sample simulated research 3.2 mm thick Polycarbonate sheet subjected low power continuous CO2 laser. effects parameters power, speed, focal plane position on top bottom kerf width, heat-affected zone, ratio upper width lower taper investigated statistical techniques variance analysis. Choosing an appropriate Gaussian distribution studied well. results show scanning speed has significant effect width. By choosing 20 mm/s length -3, minimized. increasing from 4 decreasing 50 W, zone decreases. developed analysis can predict depth mode different values plane.