Precision cutting of polyvinyl chloride film by ultraviolet nanosecond laser

Ultraviolet (UVUV) nanosecond laser cutting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films was evaluated by experimental design and laser ablation principle. Factors such as laser power, cutting speed, and repetition numbers of laser cutting will influence the quality of cutting seam. Narrower width of cutting seam (55.1±4.6 μm) and smaller area of heat-affected zone (HAZ) (25.5±2.4 μm) were obtained when processing parameters combination chosen as 0.2 W-20 mm/s-5 (laser power, laser cutting speed, repetition numbers of laser cutting). In the meantime, no obvious taper was observed. The feasibility of UV laser precise cutting of PVC film was quantitively demonstrated.Mechanism of laser cutting of PVC film was laser ablation according to Raman analysis and rapid pyrolysis analysis. Gas by-products such as hydrogen chloride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and organic compounds with benzene ring structure generated during laser cutting process were potentially toxic. Therefore, corresponding protective measures must be taken during laser processing of PVC film.