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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




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