Investigation of cuttability of high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes using (CO₂) gas laser

The high density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the best materials for use in different environmental conditions. This is due to the mechanical, chemical and electrical specifications of this type, in terms of thermal insulation, lightweight, low cost, and most importantly the time factor. The molecular structure of the HDPE material has made it the ideal choice for use in the pipe industry, and the transportation of various liquids, compared with the metal pipes and especially in the transportation of water, oil, and gas. And because of the frequent use, especially in the workplace. The need to use the cutting for these pipes has become necessary for the purpose of establishing networks for the transfer of fluids. In this research, the construction of holes in the pipes and measurements and angles of different for the purpose of taking advantage of these openings in the construction of networks. The laser was used as one of the modern cutting methods for the purpose of studying the efficiency and performance of CO2 laser cutting on HDPE, especially on pipes, PN 16 PE 100, 110 mm; diameter, and tested under a CO2 laser machine, by using a three different kinds of gases, such as the air, the nitrogen (N2), and the oxygen (O2), to estimate the changing and evaluate the quality of cutting with surface roughness, HAZ, striation and kerf width of the HDPE.