Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Experimental study on the effect of laser drilling parameters on hole taper angle and diameter in Aluminum 5052 and glass fiber FML composites

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ardavan Anahid
Mohsen Hamedi
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22068/jstc.2025.2073334.1938
Abstract
Fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) are increasingly utilized in marine and aerospace applications due to their favorable formability, high strength, and robust damage tolerance. Mechanical drilling, commonly used for fastening these components with bolts or rivets, often induces delamination and structural degradation due to tool-induced stresses. Laser drilling has emerged as a promising alternative, minimizing such defects. This study evaluates two critical quality metrics—hole taper angle and diameter variation—in laser-drilled specimens composed of aluminum 5052 and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin cured at ambient temperature. A CO₂ laser with a wavelength of 10.64 µm and a maximum power of 6 kW was employed. Using a statistically designed experimental framework (ANOVA with three replicates across 64 trials), the effects of laser power, assist gas pressure, and feed rate on hole geometry were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that laser power exerts the most significant influence on both taper angle and diameter variation, followed by the interaction between laser power and gas pressure, and then gas pressure and feed rate. Optimal conditions for minimal taper angle (3 kW power, 10 bar gas pressure, 7600 mm/min feed rate) and minimal diameter variation (2.5 kW power, 6 bar gas pressure, 7600 mm/min feed rate) were identified. These findings offer direct applicability for industries employing aluminum–glass fiber composite components.
Keywords
Tapered angle of hole Kerf Laser Cutting
FML
Epoxy Resin

Subjects

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Journal of Science and Technology of Composites
Volume 12, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 2768-2777