Abstract:
In this work, which was done in two phases, Nd: YAG Lasers were
chosen to be the tool for cutting 2mm thick commercial Perspex sheets.
In phase one, pulsed laser output from the YAG-50 Laser Scribing
Machine was used to cut four opaque samples using different cutting speeds
and different pulse repetition rates (P.R.R.), which caused different cutting
depths inversely proportional to the cutting speeds, and directly proportional
to the P.R.R. Also, the same laser parameters were used to cut four
transparent samples, resulted in heat-affected zones (HAZ) of the samples
rather than cutting.
HAZ values were found to be inversely proportional to the cutting speed and
directly proportional to the P.R.R.
In phase two, the CW DORNIER Medilas Laser system with different
powers (40 & 50 watts) were used to cut 2mm thick opaque, black, sheets at
different speeds controlled by locally made speed control unit.
Results showed the inverse proportionality between cutting depth and cutting
speed, and direct proportionality between cutting depth and laser power.
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