Two-side percussion microdrilling method for improved hole accuracy employing a reflective mirror lens
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Laser percussion drilling of microholes has established itself as a prominent micromachining technique rivaling both conventional and nonconventional microdrilling processes. Despite its broader use, the laser percussion drilling process has some limitations, particularly the achievable microholes’ accuracy. The research reports a novel method to address this shortcoming by improving the holes’ dimensional and geometrical accuracy. Specifically, the proposed two-side method for laser percussion drilling of microholes utilizes a penetrating laser beam that is refocused at the hole exit by a reflective concave mirror lens. So, additional ablation occurs at the hole exit to improve the hole accuracy, i.e., a significant increase in minimum (neck) diameter, taper angle, and volumetric ratio (the ratio between the ablated and nominal hole volumes), i.e., 44%, 74%, and 57%, respectively, was achieved in the conducted experimental trials. Notably, these improvements are achieved without affecting the processing efficiency with the proposed laser drilling setup being relatively simple to implement.
Source: Journal of Laser Applications
DOI: 10.2351/7.0001761
Institutions: University of Birmingham, Politecnico di Milano
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Mechanics
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4411783597