The effect of laser engraving on L-shaped Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) components during the curing process

摘要

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is extensively used in space and aerospace applications due to its good specific properties over conventional metals and alloys. During the manufacturing process of laminated composite parts, whose dimensions do not match with the mold, that distortion is commonly referred to as spring-back or warpage. To measure the amount of spring-back or warpage, reference points are required on part as well as the mold surface. During the curing process, the mold and part are pressed at a high temperature in the presence of a release agent or release tape as simple marking will not work as a reference point. In this research paper, the effect of laser engraving on L-shaped CFRP components during the curing process was examined. The various diameter markings were carried out with the help of laser at various depths on an aluminum mold. Different layers of twill prepreg were laid on a marked mold with the help of a release agent and release tape. The assembly of the mold and parts were cured using a hot air oven after applying consolidation. The impressions on cured CFRP parts were examined and it was found that marking can be easily seen with the naked eye in the case of a 0.5 mm diameter and 0.1 mm depth hole for a release agent compared to the release tape.