Assisting gas effect on cutting process of Formica and Emery paper using low power (1.6 Watt) laser diode

Abstract

1.6 W diode laser operating at 808nm was used to cut Formica and Emery paper. The laser light was concentratedon the samples’ surfaces by using a positive lens. Comparison was made between the results of cutting quality obtained when using active and non-active assisting gasses. The results obtained revealedthe possibility of obtaining optimum cuts when selecting carefully the cutting parameters and environment.0.36 mm Emery paper was the best example for showing the effect of processing gas on cutting quality. The penetration depths for this material when employing ordinary air, O2 and CO2 were: 0.13, 0.36 and 0.16 mm with cutting kerfs of 0.23, 0.33 and 0.26 mm respectively. The use of O2 helped achieving a full penetration cutting of this material but with deformed cutting edges whereas the use of CO2 gas helped maintaining minimum material removal but on the expenses of the cutting depth