Optimization of Laser Cutting Parameters on the Laminated Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) Composites Using DOE Technique

Nowadays, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) composites is widely used in the aerospace industry due to its excellent mechanical properties. In laser cutting process, high powers are used to cut materials then material melts and burns leaving edges with a high quality finish. To fulfill the high demand of cutting quality, a set of laser cutting parameters of CFRP material are studied. The objective of this experiment is to obtain an optimum laser cutting parameter thus minimizing the cutting defects particularly on kerf width at the top and bottom surfaces. The analysis of process parameter was carried out using DOE, Design Expert 6.0.8. Cutting speed, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate and pulse energy were analyzed at two levels. By the optimizing the parameter setting, significant improvement in cutting quality has been achieved.