Analysis of geometrical characteristics of pulsed nd:yag laser drilled holes in superalloy nimonic 263 sheets

Abstract

Owing to their excellent mechanical and physical characteristics, superalloys are the most suitable material for use in hot sections of aircraft engines. Thousands of holes need to be drilled in constructive parts of machines, with laser technique emerging as the most effective. Laser drilling has been used to produce small diameter, accurately positioned holes, with little damage in regions around them, and in various materials. Effective laser employment of drilling of high quality holes for critical applications highly depends on correct selection and optimization of laser drilling parameters. In this work, the holes were drilled by a pulsed Nd(3+):YAG laser, with maximum average power of 160 W, in superalloy Nimonic 263 sheets, thickness 0,7 mm and 1,2 mm. The holes were observed by optical and scanning electron microscope. Geometrical characteristics of laser drilled holes that depend on laser parameters were investigated and analysed. The aim of this investigation was to find optimal laser parameters which would produce as much as possible regular holes.