New capability for on-the-fly percussion drilling of small holes using LASERDYNE CylPerf™ and fiber laser

Prima Power Laserdyne Applications Engineers have developed several novel capabilities for laser cutting, welding, and drilling based on LASERDYNE exclusive advanced control of fiber lasers.

Oftentimes in the past, on-the-fly drilling gave reduced cycle time but not acceptable hole quality. From our latest results, it is time to reconsider the on-the-fly drilling process.

The latest innovation is for on-the-fly percussion drilling where Laserdyne advanced laser control has been demonstrated to result in higher quality holes, both in terms of metallurgy and geometry, with the benefits of reduced cycle time from on-the-fly drilling.

Using a novel method for process optimization and advanced laser control available with the LASERDYNE S94P, laser process parameters were optimized for a TBC-coated Hastelloy X component. The hole diameter was 0.4 mm and holes were drilled at 30 degrees from the surface in 1.5 mm thick material. While trepanning resulted in cycle times of 1.2 seconds per hole in this material and hole angle combination, this new process requires only 0.3 seconds per hole using CylPerf.

Pattern of 0.4 mm diameter holes at 30 degree from the surface. Note the pin gauge in one of the holes in the center of the picture to illustrate the hole angle.

Traditional, or static, percussion drilling in which the laser beam is stationary during drilling, requires only 0.5 seconds per hole. However, the challenge with static percussion drilling is that even in this short time, the material becomes heated to the point of creating a condition in which delamination of the TBC will likely occur. In fact, the thinner the material, the more susceptible it is to TBC delamination. Using CylPerf on-the-fly drilling, the cooling between laser pulses prevents delamination.

The ability of the fiber laser to be closely controlled at higher pulse rates than available from Nd:YAG drilling lasers also contributes to reduced cycle times.

One last thought – this example demonstrates two important ideas: customer requests often lead to new developments and Laserdyne is committed to developing laser processing quickly and for practical problems.

The take away is this is a dynamic business and as your company laser expert you need to stay informed.

To arrange a review of your application based on the latest capability of LASERDYNE CylPerf, please contact your local Prima Power sales office or e-mail your request to lds.sales@primapower.com.