Phenolic resin plate precision cutting by ultraviolet nanosecond laser ablation regulation

Abstract

Laser precision cutting process of phenolic resin plates (PRP) has attracted widespread attention, but at this stage, this work is carried out without understanding the hazards of process by-products and process mechanism. Here, mechanism of PRP ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser precision cutting process has been assessed based on by-product composition analysis. Composition of solid residue in cutting seam and generating gas during cutting process are analyzed, while benzene and phenol in gas by-products are potentially toxic. Quality of PRP UV nanosecond laser precision cutting process have been also analyzed using orthogonal experiment analysis. The smallest width (50.3 ± 3.1 µm) of cutting seam were obtained at UV laser cutting parameters combination of 4.04 W-1000 mm/s-9, and width of burr-like heat affected zone (HAZ) was 57.5 ± 4.7 µm. It turned out that UV laser precision cutting of PRP is feasible, but corresponding protective measures must be taken.