Experimental study of multimode fiber laser cutting on cementitious composites

Abstract

This study was performed to observe the applicability of laser cutting in cementitious composites. The multimode fiber laser cutting of cementitious composites was conducted using a laser power of 9 kW. The experimental variables were the laser cutting speed and material compositions, such as cement paste, cement mortar and ultra-high performance concrete. After laser cutting, kerf width and penetration depth were observed on the surface and cross-section, respectively. In addition to these observations, the microstructure of cut surface was observed through scanning electron microscopy to compare the microstructure of cementitious composites before and after laser irradiation. Furthermore, the changes in the chemical composition of the microstructure were evaluated through energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis. The effects of silicate-based materials on laser cutting were confirmed on the basis of the kerf width and penetration depth. It was also observed that the glassy layer produced by the melting of a silicate-based material affected the quality of laser cutting. © 2020 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.