Micanite in laser test

Laser cutting of artificial mica

Dumico specializes in the production of micanite, so-called artificial mica, which is composed of about 90% natural mica and 10% binder. Micanite is used, for example, in e-mobility as insulation or sheathing for batteries or in wind energy as insulation for generators in wind turbines. It is therefore a particularly promising material with a lot of potential for laser processing. We have tested the variants muscovite micanite and phlogopite micanite up to 8 mm thickness for processing with the laser. The laser is becoming increasingly interesting for cutting these material thicknesses.

Properties of micanite:

  • Chemically inert and solvent resistant
  • Durable
  • High heat and pressure resistance
  • Non-conductive
  • Lightweight
  • Insulating
  • Cost-effective alternative to pure mica discs
  • Reflective
  • Stable to light and moisture

Compared to pure natural mica, micanite is available in sheets off 1200 x 1000 mm, and in many thickneses, it is more cost effeciently then natural mica for most electrical insulation, which make the product easier to plan and gives it greater scope of use.

The goal of the laser test:

Cutting of temperature-resistant micanite sheets

We tested micanite sheets in different thicknesses for processing with our laser cutters. In consultation with Dumico, the following requirements were taken into account:

  • Verification of the general cuttability of the material micanite with laser
  • High quality of the cut edges without burrs
  • No smoke residue or other tracings on the material
  • Clean processing procedure without cleaning effort for the user
  • Avoid traces and residues on the underside due to reflections

The used test setup

System size: XL-1600 - Static system
The compact system is suitable for solid plates

Table concept: Honeycomb
Highly stable table concept with particularly good vacuum formation

Laser source: 450 watts
Optimal cutting results for micanite up to 3 mm thickness

Test result:

Micanite can be cut with excellent results up to 3 mm thickness

In our machining tests, we took a closer look at micanite sheets between 0.3 mm and 8 mm. For the material thicknesses 0.3 mm (phlogopite-micanite), 0.5 mm (muscovite-micanite) and 1.0 mm (phlogopite-micanite) we can award the rating “excellently suitable”. Due to the non-contact cutting process, we obtain clean cut edges without burrs forming on the material or individual material particles bursting away. The cutting process is dust-free. The time-consuming cleaning process for users is eliminated. Overall, the temperature-resistant material can be processed very well up to a thickness of 2 mm. The repeatability is high and thus optimal for series production. In the material thicknesses from 3 mm to 8 mm, it was not possible to work without burrs. However, the resulting burr can be easily removed with simple reworking. Materials of more than 8 mm can no longer be cut by eurolaser systems.

Material information:

For production of micanite, natural mica powder and synthetic resin binder are mixed and processed into mica paper. This is then pressed in loose layers to form solid and resistant sheet material. Muscovite-micanite with its silver-grey coloring has a temperature resistance of 500° C and even up to 800° C for a short time. Phlogopite micanite, dark gray to brownish in color, withstands 700° C and briefly up to 1000° C. For more information, please visit our micanite material page.

Certificates

Phlogopite Micanite 0.3 mm

Suitability for laser cutting: excellently suitable

Muscovite Micanite 0.5 mm

Suitability for laser cutting: excellently suitable

Phlogopite Micanite 1.0 mm

Suitability for laser cutting: excellently suitable

Additional benefits of cutting micanite materials with eurolaser systems:

Do you have any questions? We are pleased to advise you.

or please call for your individual consulting!

+30 210 995 7605

+49 4131 9697 500