Development in the model-industry: Micro-machining of hard metal (WC-10%Co) by Nd:YAG-laser

Abstract

Laser ablation can be a versatile technology for micro-tools and rapid prototyping. With an investigation of processing parameters (e.g. intensity, overlap of pulses) and the quality of ablated surfaces, the basic relations for material ablation of hard metal (WC-10%Co) by 3ω-Nd:YAG (λ = 355 nm) laser can be used to set proper parameters for the micro-machining process. The motion of the workpiece beneath the laser focus is controlled by a CNC machine, which allows for machining of 3-D structures. Good surface quality can be generated by optimised intensity and overlap. To improve the surface quality after laser ablation, several technologies (e.g. electrolytic, chemical and mechanical polishing) have been studied. The advantages of these methods Will be illustrated by the application.Laser ablation can be a versatile technology for micro-tools and rapid prototyping. With an investigation of processing parameters (e.g. intensity, overlap of pulses) and the quality of ablated surfaces, the basic relations for material ablation of hard metal (WC-10%Co) by 3ω-Nd:YAG (λ = 355 nm) laser can be used to set proper parameters for the micro-machining process. The motion of the workpiece beneath the laser focus is controlled by a CNC machine, which allows for machining of 3-D structures. Good surface quality can be generated by optimised intensity and overlap. To improve the surface quality after laser ablation, several technologies (e.g. electrolytic, chemical and mechanical polishing) have been studied. The advantages of these methods Will be illustrated by the application.