Characteristics of ultrafast laser processing aramid fiber reinforced plastics

Processing of aramid fiber reinforced plastics (AFRP) with traditional cutting or milling methods usually result in low machining accuracy and poor edge quality. In this paper, ultrafast laser ablation of AFRP was systematically implemented to test its applicability for the material processing. The responses of AFRP to ultrafast laser pulse lengths, laser fluence, and repetition rates were carefully studied. It is found that single pulse volume removal rate, material removal efficiency, and the ablated surface roughness are in positive correlation with laser pulse lengths, laser fluence, and repetition rates. Sample surface morphology study revealed that heat accumulation and carbonization are easier to occur for high laser repetition rates due to the low decomposition temperature and thermal conductivity of AFRP components. The findings may give useful guide for ultrafast laser processing of similar composite materials.