Precision cutting and drilling with the Nd-YAG laser

Conference · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7003727

Lingenfelter, A C; Anglin, C D; Westrich, C N; Murchie, J R

The capability of focusing large amounts of energy onto a very small area makes the laser a useful tool for cutting and drilling materials. With the aid of appropriate aperture, lens, and careful selection of laser parameters, we have been successful in cutting slots 0.001 inches (0.025 millimeters) in width and drilling holes 0.00015 inches (0.0038 millimters) in diameter. Examples of these applications are shown. Cutting and drilling of foil thicknesses (less than 0.010 inches thick) poses a special problem. Despite careful selection of operating parameters there is normally some small amount of dross adhering to the bottom surface of the foil. We have found that various surface coatings can be used to protect the foil from damage both during processing and cleanup. Several examples illustrate the surface quality of cuts achieved with coated foils.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA). Mechanical Engineering Dept.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 7003727
• Report Number(s): UCRL-95516; CONF-861197-1; ON: DE87001359
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
ACCURACY
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CUTTING
CUTTING TOOLS
FERRITE GARNETS
LASER DRILLING
LASERS
MACHINING
MATERIALS DRILLING
MINERALS
NEODYMIUM LASERS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SILICATE MINERALS
SOLID STATE LASERS
TOOLS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
YTTRIUM COMPOUNDS