What is it about?

This research investigates how to achieve the best quality and most efficient laser cutting process for wood-plastic composites (WPCs)—a type of biodegradable material made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. These materials are promising alternatives to traditional plastics due to their sustainability but are challenging to cut precisely. The study tests different settings (laser power, pulse width, and cutting speed) on a pulsed fiber laser machine to see how each affects the quality of the cut. Key outcomes measured include: i. Kerf Width (KW) – the width of the cut. ii. Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) – the area damaged by heat around the cut. iii. Material Removal Rate (MRR) – how quickly the material is cut. By analyzing multiple outcomes at once using a method called grey relational analysis (GRA), the study identifies the most effective combination of settings.

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Why is it important?

Cutting these eco-friendly composites with high precision is essential for industries like furniture, automotive, and construction. Traditional cutting methods often damage the material or result in poor quality cuts. i. Using optimized laser settings can: ii. Improve product quality and consistency. iii. Reduce material waste and energy use. Support the broader shift toward sustainable manufacturing by promoting the use of recycled and biodegradable materials.

Perspectives

From an engineering perspective, the study demonstrates that cutting speed is the most crucial factor affecting cut quality, followed by laser power and pulse width. From a sustainability standpoint, this work supports greener manufacturing by making it easier to use and process bio-based composites. From an industrial point of view, adopting this optimized laser process can boost productivity while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

Mohd Khairul Domadi
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: MULTI-RESPONSE OPTIMIZATION IN PRECISION CUTTING OF WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITES BY SINGLE-MODE FIBER LASER, ASEAN Engineering Journal, May 2025, Penerbit UTM Press,
DOI: 10.11113/aej.v15.22185.
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