LASER–BEAM MACHINING (LBM)

Laser-beam machining is a thermal material-removal process that utilizes a high-energy, coherent light beam to melt and vaporize particles on the surface of metallic and nonmetallic workpieces. Lasers can be used to cut, drill, weld and mark. LBM is particularly suitable for making accurately placed holes. A schematic of laser beam machining is shown in Figure.

Different types of lasers are available for manufacturing operations which are as follows:

CO2 (pulsed or continuous wave): It is a gas laser that emits light in the infrared region. It can provide up to 25 kW in continuous-wave mode.

Nd:YAG: Neodymium-doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Y3Al5O12) laser is a solid-state laser which can deliver light through a fibre-optic cable. It can provide up to 50 kW power in pulsed mode and 1 kW in continuous-wave mode.

Laser beam machining schematic

Laser beam cutting (drilling)

In drilling, energy transferred (e.g., via a Nd:YAG laser) into the workpiece melts the material at the point of contact, which subsequently changes into a plasma and leaves the region.

A gas jet (typically, oxygen) can further facilitate this phase transformation and departure of material removed.

Laser drilling should be targeted for hard materials and hole geometries that are difficult to achieve with other methods.

A typical SEM micrograph hole drilled by laser beam machining process employed in making a hole is shown in Figure

SEM micrograph hole drilled in 250 micro meter thick Silicon Nitride with 3rd harmonic Nd: YAG laser

Laser beam cutting (milling)

A laser spot reflected onto the surface of a workpiece travels along a prescribed trajectory and cuts into the material.

Continuous-wave mode (CO2) gas lasers are very suitable for laser cutting providing high-average power, yielding high material-removal rates, and smooth cutting surfaces.

Advantage of laser cutting

No limit to cutting path as the laser point can move any path.

The process is stress less allowing very fragile materials to be laser cut without any support.

Very hard and abrasive material can be cut.

Sticky materials are also can be cut by this process.

It is a cost effective and flexible process.

High accuracy parts can be machined.

No cutting lubricants required

No tool wear

Narrow heat effected zone

Limitations of laser cutting

Uneconomic on high volumes compared to stamping

Limitations on thickness due to taper

High capital cost

High maintenance cost

Assist or cover gas required