An investigation into whether the laser drilling capabilities of a 2kW fibre laser can be enhanced using pulse train shaping

Markcoons, D.J.W.; Voisey, K.T.

Abstract

In long, ms, pulsed melt ejected based laser drilling of metals pulse train shaping has previously improved drilling efficiency. This work investigates if pulse train shaping can be exploited in the laser drilling of 0.8-2 mm mild steel with a 1070 nm wavelength 2kW IPG 2000S fibre laser. Single pulse drilling at a range of powers is used to determine the minimum pulse length, and thereby energy input, required for through hole generation. The effect on this minimum penetration energy of using pulse trains of identical 1 ms pulses, as well as pulse trains with a progressive increase in pulse power, was investigated. Drilling efficiency was improved by both multiple 1 ms pulses and progressively increasing pulses, with the multiple pulses having a greater effect, typically increasing efficiency by 35%. Cross-sections showed not all molten material was fully ejected, indicating that further efficiency improvements are possible for the conditions considered.

Citation

Markcoons, D., & Voisey, K. (2018). An investigation into whether the laser drilling capabilities of a 2kW fibre laser can be enhanced using pulse train shaping. Lasers in Engineering, 39(1-2),

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 11, 2017
• Publication Date: Mar 7, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 8, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 8, 2019
• Journal: Lasers in Engineering
• Print ISSN: 0898-1507
• Electronic ISSN: 1029-029X
• Publisher: Old City Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 1-2
• Keywords: laser drilling; pulse train shaping; melt ejection; fibre laser; process optimisation; percussion drilling
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/919298
• Publisher URL: http://www.oldcitypublishing.com/journals/lie-home/lie-issue-contents/lie-volume-39-number-1-2-2018/lie-39-1-2-p-17-33/
• Contract Date: Mar 8, 2018