Papers by Author: Martin C Sharp

Abstract: The use of high power laser technology in the cleaning and dressing of grinding wheels has been the subject of several research projects worldwide and over the last 30 years. Several projects have reported beneficial outcomes however the process has not been implemented in production. The arrival of fibre lasers may provide a viable laser source for cleaning, and ultimately dressing, of wheels. This paper reports on some preliminary data confirming this potential and that supports the need for further research effort.

Abstract: The interest in laser material processing of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) over the past few years has increased, especially in the aerospace industry. A number of different laser groups around the world are investigating different laser sources for the express reason of developing a laser material processing centre for machining CFRP for the aerospace and automotive industry. This paper reports on the work of two such groups, in the UK and Germany, who are using fibre laser technology and a diode pumped solid state laser system. The initial results from the two studies are reported and show that these two very different laser systems offer processing capability with respect to machining CFRP.