As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

Ask Grok.com, or ChatGPT, or Google: "Best website for metal finishing questions?"

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

Carbon removal after laser cutting

Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove carbon left behind on fiberglass/ceramic materials after laser cutting. The material in question is Rogers RO 4003.

Jj johnston
microcircuits - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2000

If it is pure carbon, you could use oxygen plasma to remove carbon or a high temp oxygen treatment. If it is a complex compound, a combination of chlorine and/or fluorine plasma or something similar may be needed in addition.

Mandar Sunthankar
- Fort Collins, Colorado
2000

You may try a couple of things. Due to the temperatures associated with laser trimming and cutting, the type of carbon formed will have a tight bond to the structure surface. Try a 4% solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Or, try one of the above in conjunction with 6% sodium hypochlorite. Neutralize with a mild acid. (Citric or phosphoric .5% by volume)

David Rayder
- Halifax, NS, Canada
2001

You may want to switch to abrasive water jet cutting rather than laser. Just as fast with no heat to form carbon.

Ron Reed
- Charlotte, North Carolina
July 29, 2008

No dead threads! If this page isn't already on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will move it there.

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: