Parametric analysis of hole circularity for laser percussion drilling of carbon fibre reinforced plastic using Nd: YAG laser

Abstract

Abstract Holes of diameter less than 1 mm has wide application of manufacturing sector. Laser beam can be conveniently used for creation of such hole in different materials. The Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite (CFRP) is quickly replacing the conventional materials in most of the engineering applications. Therefore, a detail parametric study to analyse the influence of factors like laser current, laser interaction time, pressure of assist gas, workpiece thickness and incidence angle on the geometrical accuracy of hole in terms of hole circularity at top (HCT) has been explored by changing the individual contributing factors. Small holes (< 1mm) have been fabricated with Nd: YAG laser of millisecond pulse duration in CFRP workpiece of thickness 1mm, 3mm, and 5 mm. It was observed that hole circularity at top surface is highest for zero angle of incidence. The increase of laser current, interaction time, and pressure of assist gas increases the HCT when the laser direction is normal to the workpiece whereas it shows a decline trend when the angle of incidence of 10° and 20°g;. The increase of workpiece thickness reduces the HCT irrespective of angle of incidence.