TWI Frequently asked questions
- Surface delamination
- i.e. the separation of plies, especially where the cutter enters and exits the material
- Internal delamination
- i.e. the separation between plies due to improper machining and drilling
- Fibre/resin pull out
- i.e. tearing away of resin or fibres from the wall of the machined edge or drilled hole.
The advantage of laser cutting is that as a non-contact, thermal process which alleviates some or most of the problems associated with traditional techniques. In addition, the laser can be focussed to cut small spots for intricatesshapes. Gas is used to assist the removal of debris e.g. argon. Care must be taken to avoid thermal degradation and is controlled by close monitoring of laser beam delivery conditions and energy output.
For specific enquiries please contact the Polymer Group at TWI (e-mail: pol@twi.co.uk).
