FEM modeling and simulation of kerf formation in the nanosecond pulsed laser engraving process.

In the present study, a finite element method (FEM) simulation model is developed for nanosecond pulsed laser engraving process. The model's novelty lies in the fact that it predicts the actual dimensions of the engraved geometry emphasizing the dimensional deviation due to the defects from kerf formation such as the sloped side walls instead of the intended vertical ones. Simulations were performed and the values of kerf taper angle, top kerf width and bottom kerf width were compared with the corresponding ones from experimental tests made using a LASERTEC 40 laser engraving machine and also were used for process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]