Laser
Micro Machining Research |
Objectives:
The goal of this project area is to develop various laser-based micro
machining technologies. Research aims at providing a complete physical understanding of laser
micro machining processes (applied to various materials) with different
short and ultrashot lasers and the development of
accurate
predictive
models that will enable optimization of the processes. Specific objectives of the research include:
- Micro hole drilling in the range of 10-1000 microns
- Laser-assisted micro milling of 3D structures
- Laser micro machining of 3D patterns using a pico-second laser
- Understand the underlying physics of laser-material interaction
during ultrashort (ps and fs) laser ablation.
- Economic analysis of laser micromachining against current practice
|
Research
Plan: The study of laser micromachining at Purdue is based on the simultaneous
experimental and numerical investigations of the processes. On the
theoretical side, we aim at developing a better understanding of
laser-material interaction and laser-plasma interaction. Experimental
work includes a systematic investigation of micromachining in terms of
various parameters with measurement and monitoring of plasma development
during laser ablation. Two approaches under study include
direct laser micromachining using ultrashort pulsed lasers (ps and fs) and
laser-assisted micromachining.
|
Research
Progress:
- Experimental facilities have been developed for laser
micromachining with a pico-second laser and laser-assisted
micromachining with micro endmills.
- Successful experimental studies have been conducted on
micromachining of stainless steels, aluminum, titanium, silica, silicon nitride
and SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite.
- A predictive ablation model has been developed for ultrashort laser ablation.
- A thermal model has been developed for laser-assisted micro
milling.
- Experimental studies on laser-assisted micromachining have been
conducted on various materials including stainless steels, Inconel
and Ti-6Al-4V alloys.
Back to Top |
Micromachined Part
|
Thermal Modeling for Laser-assisted
Micromachining
|
Micro walls (15
mm
thick and 90 mm
tall) created by micromachining
|
Stent machined by an ultrashort laser
|
SPONSORS National
Science Foundation
Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology
Industrial partners
|