A Review of Carbon Dioxide Laser on Polymers

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of laser machining process and investigates CO2 laser cutting on polymers with various thickness. Laser Beam Machining is mainly used in many manufacturing industries. The highly collimated beam of a laser can be further focused to a microscope dot of extremely high energy density for cutting. Polymers are commonly used in automobile industries, medical, biotech devices, in the microelectronic and sensor industries for insulating layers in multi-level devices. Laser beam cutting can machine all common engineering polymers, the most common ones being polyamides, polycarbonate (PC) and polyester. In this literature review the various attempts made in CO2 laser cutting of polymers is given.

Laser Ablation of Poly(lactic acid) Sheets for the Rapid Prototyping of Sustainable, Single-Use, Disposable Medical Microcomponents

“…CO 2 laser cutting is an established material manufacturing technology, widely used due to its low cost and rapidity and good quality depending on the material. This technique has been applied to both metallic and nonmetallic materials, for example, glass, wood, thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. − During cutting, the laser beam is focused onto the material surface, causing a localized melting or vaporization or both . The heat generated by the laser diffuses through the material altering its microstructure and properties in an area named the heat affected zone (HAZ) (Figure A-i).…”

“…Leaching of polymeric components from the bulk material is another issue in microfluidic systems. Although the mobility of low molecular weight oligomers in the whole polymer is known, few studies have looked into this potential problem in detail . It has been suggested that this uncontrolled and undesired leaching could lead to cytotoxicity, interference with cellular signaling pathways, or PCR inhibition .…”

“…25,26,27 During cutting, the laser beam is focused onto the material surface, causing a localised melting and/or vaporization. 28 The heat generated by the laser diffuses through the material altering its microstructure and properties in an area named Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) (Figure 2 A-i). The HAZ is strictly related to the thermal properties of the material (e.g.…”

Preparation, properties, and laser processing of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends with addition of natural fibers as a potential for printing plates application

“…It has a wavelength of 10,600 nm and unprofessional usage can result in poor dimensional accuracy of engraved structures. According to the research [51,52] controlling the speed of engraving and laser power are the two key factors for controlling the quality of engraved elements.…”

Theoretical and experimental investigations for geometrical error during hemispherical cavity machining on CO2 laser

“…1,2 The cutting is achieved by focusing the laser beam on the surface of the material which results in local heating, melting, and vaporization. 3 The mode of machining of polymers depends on the material’s behavior during laser interaction. Generally, thermoplastic machining is carried out by fusion mechanism while the cutting of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is achieved by vaporization.…”