Cutting & drilling carbon fibre composites
Carbon fibre composites are commonplace in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio but machining them is difficult as it evaporates the epoxy resin which binds the composite together. Mechanical processing can result in de-lamination and matrix damage, and tool wear and breakage. Conventional laser processing creates a heat-affected zone (HAZ) around the cut, leaving the fibres exposed and compromising the strength of the material.
With a Luxinar LXR® series ultrashort pulse laser heat diffusion is greatly reduced, so cutting can be accomplished leaving the epoxy resin intact. This means that holes can be drilled and features cut out without compromising the strength of the carbon fibre sheet.
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Recommended products
LXR® series
Ultrashort pulse laser source
Applications laboratories
Could a laser be used to improve your manufacturing process? We can help you to find out by testing samples of your material or product in one of our applications labs. Our applications lab facilities are open to both new and existing customers and OEMs. Our laboratories are well equipped to carry out a range of processes including cutting, marking, engraving, drilling, scribing, ablation and more. We offer rapid sample turnaround times, detailed application reports, and complimentary advice from our experienced applications engineers. Whatever your process, we can help you to determine the best laser for your application.
