Laser Machining Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite structural material containing high-strength fibrous embedded reinforcements which develop mechanical properties greatly superior to the base polymer (called 'matrix' in this context). The fibers are usually fiberglass, carbon, or aramid (a family of nylons), while the polymer is usually an epoxy, vinyl ester or polyester thermosetting plastic (thermosetting plastics are those that can not be recycled). FRPs are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries. The popular Carbon fiber reinforced plastic is a strong, light and very expensive composite material or fiber reinforced plastic. Similar to glass-reinforced plastic, which is sometimes simply called fiberglass. The composite material is commonly referred to by the name of its reinforcing fibers. Some FRPs' contain both carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforcement. Less commonly, the term graphite-reinforced plastic is also used. FRP is becoming increasingly common in small consumer goods as well, such as laptop computers, tripods, fishing rods, racquet sports frames, stringed instrument bodies, classical guitar strings, drum shells etc.