Precision Cutting and Drilling with the Nd-YAG Laser

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

doi:10.1117/12.966956

1 January 1987 Precision Cutting and Drilling with the Nd-YAG Laser

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

Proceedings Volume 0744, Lasers in Motion for Industrial Applications; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966956
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

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 millimeters) 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.

Citation Download Citation

A. C. Lingenfelter, C. D. Anglin, C. N. Westrich, and J. R. Murchie "Precision Cutting and Drilling with the Nd-YAG Laser", Proc. SPIE 0744, Lasers in Motion for Industrial Applications, (1 January 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966956

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