Laser micromachining

The most demanded process is the maintenance-free one. Laser technology can meet many of these requirements. That is why it has been replacing older methods of materials processing for the last few years, replacing often inefficient conventional processes.

This is no different with micromachining or micromachining. This involves surface treatment of materials (activation), drilling or engraving. Surface treatment of materials is a different chapter, but it is mainly about roughening or cleaning the surface with a laser beam. This is in order to use the surface for special purposes such as absorption or repulsion of liquids, use of surfaces before bonding as an anti-slip surface, etc. This method is effective due to its speed, absence of consumables and no wear and tear on any components.

In laser drilling, the high peak energy of the laser beam is used to directly convert the solid state of the material into a gaseous state (sublimation) and the material is vaporised. This method produces minimal burrs, the waste material is in the order of tens of micrometres and the borehole profile itself is very clean. The indisputable advantage of this technology is its accuracy. A spot size of up to 30 µm can be targeted with great precision and the beam never deviates from its axis during drilling. It can thus drill perfectly circular holes with micrometer precision.

Even though it is high energy, the laser does not move the material due to the non-contact material removal. The laser is therefore a tool that never dulls. This means that there is no need to replace and maintain the mechanical components of the machine. Also fascinating is the drilling speed, which, for example, with a material thickness of 1 mm, can drill a 600 µm diameter hole in 1.2 seconds with a 70 W laser and in 0.7 seconds with a 100 W laser.

Another interesting application of micromachining is edge shrinking or, from another perspective, laser engraving. This application is very efficient, precise and, thanks to the variable setting of the laser beam with superior precision, it is possible to remove material in very hard to reach places. Especially where a conventional tool could not reach. The result of the precise machining can then be measured with a special microscope, which recognises the engraving profile with micrometer accuracy. Under magnification, we can then observe the exact slope of the bevelled edge, the depth of the engraving and the cleanliness of the surface.

All these applications can be performed with a 20 W laser as well as a 50 or 70 W laser. However, the highest efficiency is achieved using the new 100 W laser with frequency modulation up to 4.16 MHz, thus achieving speeds that meet the most stringent line speed requirements even in large automotive companies.

By developing and testing new applications in-house, we are constantly moving forward and our customers appreciate us for that. We are not just a technology reseller, but a manufacturer ourselves, and this brings many benefits. From the possibility to have free samples of the application made by us, to customising the machine to your own wishes and requirements. This makes Lintech not only a technology reseller, but a partner who is always close to the customer.