Analysis of the laser beam trajectory and its impact on the cut in PMMA material

Abstract

Article investigates how laser toolpath interpolation (linear vs. circular) affects kerf width, dimensional accuracy, and kerf taper when CO<inf>2</inf>-cutting PMMA sheets (t = 3, 5 mm) on an ILS 3NM system (λ = 10.6 μm; P = 100 W). Lenses with f = 1.5″ and 2.5″ were assessed. At identical process settings adopted from prior work, linear toolpaths yielded larger outer dimensions and more pronounced kerf taper, whereas circular paths produced more stable kerf and smaller taper angles. In all cases, the top-surface kerf exceeded the bottom-surface kerf. Thinner sheets (3 mm) were more sensitive to focal length and heat accumulation. The results provide practical guidance for selecting optics and toolpaths to balance accuracy and edge quality in PMMA cutting and form an experimental basis for future AI-assisted process optimization. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.