Laser cutting of fibre-reinforced polyesters

Composites of aramid, graphite and glass cloth-reinforced polyester have been cut by a laser and the morphology of the cut surfaces examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results are examined using a numerical thermal model and a mechanism for the laser-induced thermal changes observed in the composites is proposed. The thermal properties of the fibres and matrix are the principal factors which affect cutting performance. For the range of experimental parameters used in this study, the quality of the cut surfaces obtained depends on the type of composite being cut.