Optimization of Laser Engraving Process Parameters for the Engraving of Hybrid Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Combinations

The effect of scanning speed and percentage of laser power on the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness of an epoxy/10% Al2O3, epoxy/10% TiO2 and epoxy/10% SiO2 hybrid glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) samples was studied. An indigenously developed 15 W high power diode laser (HPDL) engraving system was used to engrave the hybrid GFRP samples. Experiments were planned and formulated according to response surface methodology (RSM) based L-20 experimental design. Design Expert 9 software has been utilized to analyse the effect of process parameters on performance measures. The study revealed that the MRR and surface roughness rise continuously with increases in laser power and scanning speed due to the high thermal energy heat input given by the laser energy. The combination of A(1) (laser power of 80 W%), B-3 (scanning speed of 20 mm/min) and C-1 (epoxy/10% Al2O3 hybrid GFRP) produced the maximum MRR; A(2) (laser power of 90 W%), B-2 (scanning speed of 15 mm/min) and C-2 (epoxy/10% TiO2 hybrid GFRP) produced the minimum surface roughness. Importantly, it has been observed that experimental and predicted values of MRR and surface roughness are in closer agreement and so the results presented and discussed will be helpful for the researchers working in the field of laser assisting machining methods.