Effect of linear polarized CO2 lasers on cut kerfs of nonmetallic material

Highly absorptive nonmetallic material,die-board,was cut by linear polarized CO2 lasers through eight different directions.Effect of laser power,cutting speed and assisted air on the width of the cut kerfs of the die-board was also discussed by contrast with that of lower carbon steel.The results indicate that the difference between the top and the bottom kerfs width of the die-board along eight directions is not sensitive to linear polarization with altering laser power and cutting speed,while the kerf width difference of steel is on the contrary.Assisted gas such as N2 and air has little effects on the kerf,therefore air should be selected in view of lower cost.Uniform cut kerfs can be achieved with lower cutting speed under certain laser power or higher laser power at a certain cutting speed.