Laser Micro-cutting of Kevlar Laminate: Influence of Cutting Speed on Cut Geometry

Laser micro-cutting of Kevlar was carried out and the influence of laser cutting speed on the kerf size width and out-of-flatness is examined. A mathematical model was developed and incorporated to predict the kerf width size. It was found that laser cutting speed influenced significantly the kerf width and the out-of-flatness, with increasing laser cutting speed being seen to reduce the kerf width size and out-of-flatness. This was seen to be more pronounced at the front surface of the micro-cutting section.