In this paper, ultrafast laser ablation of Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP) and its application in satellite reflector antenna was studied. Intrinsic properties for transmission spectrum were measured. For material processing the influence of pulse energy fluence, pulse overlapping rate and laser wavelength (from the NIR to the NUV) on appearance qualities (namely the blackening of cutting edge) were studied. It was shown that the wavelength played an important role in controlling the machining defects such as blackening. While NUV wavelength long pulse (10 ps) laser generated a smooth cutting cross-section with material’s intrinsic colors, the NIR wavelength resulted in a carbonization-prone ablation, even if the femtosecond laser was considered. The possible mechanisms involved were discussed. The application of laser trimming of satellite antenna was demonstrated.
Fiber-Reinforced Plastics/Polymers (FRPs) are widely used in the astronautic industry as the material of spacecrafts’ structural, thermal control, and satellite payload system. Ultrafast laser processing is a non-contact, versatile or efficient tool for reduced, equal, or additive material processing, which has very recently been put into use for manufacturing spacecrafts made of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. We analyzed the fitness between ultrafast laser manufacturing technology and astronautic manufacturing demand. Special attention was paid on the progress related to ultrafast laser processing of fiber-reinforced polymers used in spacecrafts, such as cutting, milling, laser marking and surface roughening for preparation of high adhesion coatings, with carbon- FRP and glass-FRP involved. Typical machining results via traditional manufacturing techniques were demonstrated for comparisons. The study may shed light on the practical application of ultrafast laser processing of FRP products used in the astronautic industries.
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