Optimisation of parameters laser cutting of oil palm fronds using fibre pulsed laser of 1064 Nm wavelength system

Abstract

Oil palm plantations produce fresh fruit bunches (FFB) as their primary output. Over the years, several technologies for cutting oil palm fronds and FFB have been developed and only a few of these technologies have been taken up by the industry. A study to explore the potential of fibre lasers as an alternative technology to cut oil palm fronds has been initiated where in this study laser cutting parameters using a 250 mm focus lens by manipulating power, speed and frequency are being optimised. The pulse fibre laser system used in this work operates at the wavelength and power of 1064 nm and 50 kW respectively where it is equivalent to 2 mJ of energy. Characterising and optimising the laser system with the 250 mm lens, an optimisation study is conducted in order to find a suitable working range for the fibre pulsed laser system to perform oil palm frond cutting. This study concludes that all three parameters; frequency, power and speed play huge roles in determining the quality and efficiency of the laser cutting. High frequency and speed with power above 80 % and 1 mm-1 will yield the desired results.