Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cutting finds one of its most relevant applications in the processing of a wide variety of polymeric materials like thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Different types of polymeric materials like polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), are processed by laser for different household as well as commercial products in the industry. The reason is their easy availability and economical aspect in the market. The problems associated with laser cutting include heat-affected zone (HAZ) generated on the cut surface, kerf width (KW), surface roughness (SR), dross formation, and striations formation. Furthermore, other related problems include taper cutting for deep parts and high-power consumption. The primary purpose of this work is a comprehensive literature review in CO2 laser cutting of polymeric materials. The influence of parametric variation on the cut quality is also explained. Cut quality in terms of KW, SR, HAZ, dross formation, and striations formation is analyzed by optimizing cutting variables like laser power (PL), cutting speed (CS), assist gas pressure (Pg), pulse frequency, nozzle type and its diameter, and stand-off distance (SOD). The effects of the laser cutting on the properties of different thermoplastics/thermosetting materials are also reported. However, this topic requires further studies on exploring the range of polymeric materials, and their optimal parameters selection to improve the cut quality. Therefore, the research gaps and future research directions are also highlighted in the context of CO2 laser cutting for polymeric materials.
Highlights
Conventional machining processes are able to process a large variety of materials
An advanced technology named as laser beam machining is becoming the backbone of the materials processing industry due to its numerous applications and processes
Caiazzo et al [8] presented an experimental study of process variables in carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser cutting of polymeric materials such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE)
Summary
The complex profiles are difficult to be generated by these processes [1,2,3]. These processes possess some restrictions to treat with difficult to machine materials. Materials 2020, 13, 3839 and abrasive water jet machining are employed to achieve fine and accurate machining of materials These processes can generate complex profiles in difficult to machine materials. Laser cutting is independent of material hardness. It offers more material utilization, no tool wear, and high cut quality [4,5,6,7]. The effect of CO2 laser cutting of different polymer materials at different settings of laser parameters was analyzed and explained
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