The MTC investigated using a water jet guided laser (WJGL) for cutting advanced composites. These materials open up opportunities for improved performance and weight saving in aerospace applications. The MTC showed that high quality cuts with good productivity are achievable using the guided laser.
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a revolutionary material suitable for a vast range of applications. They are often used in the aerospace sector due to their excellent properties. This includes being very light-weight, capable of withstanding high temperatures with no impact on performance, and high resistance to corrosion and other harsh environments. Due to the composition of CMCs, mechanical tool-based machining can be challenging and inefficient due to excessive tool wear and low processing speeds. Therefore, an alternative manufacturing process is required to improve the quality and productivity that can be achieved when processing these materials. This is essential to enable the application of CMCs in various sectors.