High-Speed Laser Drilling With Air Flow Testing for 0.2-mm Holes
The FlowComp closed-loop hardware and software feature from Prima North America's Laserdyne Systems combines laser drilling with air flow measurement on the company’s 795 and 450 multi-axis laser systems.
The software has application in the manufacture of turbine engine components, which are designed with shaped holes and holes positioned at very shallow angles (10 degrees) to the part surface in order to minimize fuel use, noise and pollution. These holes may be as small as 0.008" (0.2 mm) in diameter, making them challenging to laser drill at very high speed. The tight hole tolerances benefit from the ability to make hole size adjustments smaller than 0.001" (0.025 mm). The software feature, along with Optical Focus Control and other features, ensures that there is minimal laser drilling variability by keeping the focused laser beam diameter, location of drilling and depth of focus required to maintain constant beam quality.
Related Content
-
When Organic Growth in Your Machine Shop Isn’t Enough
Princeton Tool wanted to expand its portfolio, increase its West Coast presence, and become a stronger overall supplier. To accomplish all three goals at once, acquiring another machine shop became its best option.
-
Understanding Swiss-Type Machining
Once seen as a specialty machine tool, the CNC Swiss-type is increasingly being used in shops that are full of more conventional CNC machines. For the newcomer to Swiss-type machining, here is what the learning curve is like.
-
A New Milling 101: Milling Forces and Formulas
The forces involved in the milling process can be quantified, thus allowing mathematical tools to predict and control these forces. Formulas for calculating these forces accurately make it possible to optimize the quality of milling operations.