Title: MODULAR SYSTEM DESIGN FOR FLEXIBLE LASER PROCESSING

Authors: Marc J. Froning, Matthew C. Johnson, Scott L. Helm, Fei Cai, Ashley C. Tracey, Sohail J. Nassiri, Kay Y. Blohowiak

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.23.0238

Abstract: Structural polymer composites in aerospace applications require secondary processing to enable their use for a wide variety of applications. These composite structures need to be drilled, part marked, and have their surfaces prepared for subsequent painting, sealing, and bonding operations. This drives the need for a wide range of laser processes to efficiently support those secondary operations. With careful manipulation of processing parameters, ultraviolet (UV) lasers are uniquely capable of performing each of these processes to polymer composite materials.
Operating at 355 nm, UV lasers have a much shorter wavelength than most lasers that are currently being used for industrial processing, such as near-infrared (NIR) fiber (1064 nm) or CO2 (10,600 nm) which have shown utility for cleaning and corrosion removal on metals and for paint stripping. During UV laser processing, high-energy photons in the ultraviolet spectrum are delivered to the surface and can break specific chemical bonds in the material, without transmitting through the material and affecting the inner layers and nearby areas of the target area, providing a high degree of process control and repeatability. New generations of UV lasers offer far more power and robustness, making them capable of meeting higher production rates.
This study will describe development of a unique design for a flexible UV laser system which allows a multi-functional use with a quick exchange of optics. This allows for rapid evaluations over a large range of processing conditions for efficient research and development of new laser processes. Large variations in different scan fields, spot sizes and irradiance can be quickly tested and optimized for specific laser applications.

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Conference: SAMPE 2023

Publication Date: 2023/04/17

SKU: TP23-0000000238

Pages: 8

Price: $16.00