Advantages of laser drilling
- Creating very small holes in places where other methods make it difficult or even impossible
- Precision combined with repeatability
- Speed
- Non-contact method without mechanical stress on the part
- Long technology lifetime
- Stability
- Easy editing of hole shape or position
Materials and typical applications
Laser drilling can be used to machine a wide range of materials: metals, plastics, wood, glass, ceramics and natural materials.
Depending on the optical properties of the material to be drilled, fibre or CO2 lasers can be used effectively, in some cases it is advantageous to use lasers with shorter pulses or wavelengths.
Typical applications are:
- aerospace – cooling vents,
- automotive – injection nozzles,
- electrical engineering – precision micro holes,
- medicine – needles and microinstruments.
The minimum size of drilled holes depends on the laser components used, but can range from a few tens of um to large geometries where the drilling application essentially transitions seamlessly into cutting.
There are 5 basic principles of laser drilling mostly depending on the size and shape of the hole to be drilled.
Single pulse drilling can be used for very thin layers where a single pulse penetrates the matrix. The size and shape of the hole corresponds to the size and shape of the laser trace without modification. For drilling slightly thicker material, multiple identical pulses aimed at the same position can be used.
Trepanning drilling consists of repeatedly cutting the perimeter of the hole until the inner part of the drilled hole is separated from the material. The method is used for larger holes where, in addition to the size of the hole, the shape of the hole can be modified.
Drilling with the “Helical” method sublimates not only the perimeter of the hole but also its interior with spiral or equipotential trajectories. This application is followed by drilling with more complex and irregular holes, the surface of which is gradually engraved.
With our own application laboratory and design facilities, we offer our customers a complete service. From application testing through solution design to the production of customized laser equipment. Our clients also appreciate our fast service interventions and long-term support.
