Laser Cutting of Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composites

Machining of composites is difficult due to abrasive nature of reinforcement and anisotropic and non-homogeneous properties of laminated composites. In KFRP, fibrillation and fiber pullout makes it difficult for conventional machining. The only option for Kevlar machining is therefore non-conventional route like water jet or laser. In this work laminates are made by Hand Layup and Compression Molding. Laminates are cut by Fiber laser available at IITD at the Centre for Bio- Medical Engineering. Taylor Hobson talysurf is used for surface roughness (Ra) measurement. SEM images of cut surfaces at different cutting parameters are taken by Hitachi Table Top Microscope.