Laser Cutting of Carbon Fiber

Google Laser cutting equipment then contact the manufacturer. They will provide all the info you need on cutting.

We use a water jet (abrasive or non-abrasive) cutting system on a 5' x 10' table. It is robotic, CNC controlled, and can be controlled directly to downloaded CAD programs. It is very slick. Works on a wide variety of materials. Much safer than lasers, and easier to use. Generates little if any waste or loss (due to cutting process.)

Hi Marius.M

I agree with the waterjet low cost, good quality and tolerance if you get the right workshop.

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Lasers are commonly used to cut stacks of material for making clothing patterns. To the laser, your carbon fiber is just another material. I don't anticipate that the laser would care whether it is cutting cotton, synthetic, or carbon fiber. I guess you would use a O-switched laser that provides low average and high peak power.

I am not to0 familiar on carbon fiber composite, depends on what heat does to the material, do not think it would effect the carbon fiber but whether there are any epoxies in the material,

as mentioned earlier, water jet as an option, had very satisfactory experience with waterjeting composites. Do not now about delaminating though

a test would help you, your machine tool distributor could arrange this.

phoenix911

If you are cutting just plain fiber without resin, no problem.

If you are cutting pre-preg fiber with uncured resin, it could start an area to cure.

If you are wanting to cut cured parts, the rate would have to be set to assure you don't induce de-laminations. Collecting the fumes will be necessary due the the off gassing of the cured resin.

But, most likely it will catch on fire ! It does burn readily.

The water-jet/abrasive method is most predominant for precision and large items.

Routers, saws, and mills with abrasive tools (preferably Diamond faced) are used along with jigs for both carbon and fiberglass composites,

I know of several installations with both a waterjet and router heads.

Email if you have specific questions.

Carbon fiber is a very good conductor of heat which would cause your heat affected zone to spread rapidly and possibly degrade the fiber. Water jet cutting would be my choice provided the thickness is under 1/2 inch.

Biggest draw back to cutting carbon fiber with a laser cutter is the SMELL! It smells awful! I have never had one catch on fire from laser cutting but the water jet is the best option for cured parts.