Numerical Study of Scan Speed Selection and Kerf Depth Prediction in Silicon Laser Machining

Abstract

In recent times, lasers have gained popularity in machining applications. This trend has been due to the various unique properties that lasers posses. These properties include the ease of manipulation, and the ability to focus the beam to a small spot. Laser machining offers a better alternative to traditional machining since it does cause tool wear, and no mechanical cutting force is required. In this research, effects of the Nd:YAG laser scan speed on kerf depth is investigated. A numerical model was developed using finite element analysis method to investigate the effects using COMSOL^R. ImageJ^R software was used for image analysis and generation of kerf depth predictions. The results of this study show that increasing the laser scan speed led to a decrease in the kerf depth. Various scan speeds can also be optimally selected for different laser application. Cutting quality is improved if scan speeds of the laser are chosen properly.

Keywords: Scan speed, kerf depth, laser.