What is it about?
This study looks at how to reduce heat damage (called the heat-affected zone or HAZ) when using a pulsed fiber laser to cut wood-plastic composites (WPCs). These materials are made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, making them more environmentally friendly. The researchers tested different laser settings—such as power, speed, and gas pressure—to find out which ones result in the cleanest, least-damaged cuts.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
WPCs are sustainable, but they are sensitive to heat and can be damaged during cutting. Cutting with too much heat causes charring, warping, and poor quality. Understanding the right laser settings helps: i. Improve the precision and appearance of the cut, ii. Reduce material waste, iii. Lower energy usage, and iv. Make eco-friendly materials more practical for industry.
Perspectives
Engineering: Cutting speed is the most important factor for controlling heat damage, followed by pulse width. Faster speeds reduce bottom-surface damage. Sustainability: By optimizing laser cutting, this research supports the greener use of recycled materials in manufacturing. Industrial: The findings help manufacturers adopt laser cutting for WPCs more confidently, enhancing efficiency and product quality while supporting sustainable practices.
Mohd Khairul Domadi
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Evaluation of Cutting Parameters on Heat-Affected Zone in Wood Plastic Composites by Pulsed Fiber Laser, Jurnal Kejuruteraan, May 2024, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM Press),
DOI: 10.17576/jkukm-2024-36(3)-01.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
