Experimental analysis on waterjet-guided Nd: YAG laser thin wood machining

Abstract

Waterjet-Guided Laser (WJGL) machining is an advanced technique providing efficiency and precision for wood machining. The present study investigates the practical demonstration and analysis of laminated object manufacturing (LOM) WJGL for thin wood machining. A theoretical process of wood laser cutting was established, expressing relations between the cut kerf width and the influencing parameters. WJG Nd: YAG laser system was utilized for machining Korean pine and Northeast China ash specimen of 3 mm thickness, each with 7.21 and 7.13% of water content, respectively, under different machining conditions. The effects of process parameters and influences on woodcut surface geometry were analyzed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The investigated parameters include the laser cutting speed, power, kerf width, heat-affected zone (HAZ), and cut surface roughness. The study shows that the kerf width and surface were significantly influenced by WJGL power, followed by the cutting speed. For both wood specimens, at a fixed laser cutting speed of 2.36 mm/s, the kerf width increases significantly with laser power, affecting the cut surface quality accordingly. At 6 W and 8 W, the cut kerf geometry and surface quality were excellent for the Pinus Koraiensis, with kerf widths of 0.79 and 0.852 mm, respectively. At a fixed laser power of 8 W, the kerf width decreases with the cutting speed, affecting the cut surface quality. At a cutting speed of 4.33 mm/s, an excellent cut surface of Fraxinus mandshurica was observed with 0.808 mm of kerf width. Depending on the machining conditions, the kerf width variations of Korean pine were more significant than the Northeast China ash. LOM-WJGL is an efficient and eco-friendly technique for thin wood processing. Graphical abstract Article Highlights Practical modeling demonstration of waterjet guided laser (WJGL) wood machining. Experimental investigation of different wood specimens under influenced process parameters and machining conditions. Characterization and identification of suitable wood types for efficient and eco-friendly applications.