Micromachining of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Using Femtosecond Pulsed Laser

Abstract Microscale grooves and holes were fabricated in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) using femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation, and the characteristics and mechanisms of laser processing were investigated. The relationship between laser fluence and ablation depth was established by measuring the cross-sectional profiles of the microgrooves produced at different laser fluences. Furthermore, the effect of the angle between the edge of the micro holes and the carbon fibers was examined by analyzing the edges and wall surfaces of circular and rectangular holes. Experimental results revealed that the laser processing mechanism was strongly dependent on fiber orientation due to significant heat conduction along carbon fibers. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the ultrashort pulsed laser processing characteristics and mechanisms for creating small holes in CFRPs and emphasize the possibility of drilling high-precision holes that can be used in the direct bonding of sensors/IC chips to CFRPs.