Why Implement Laser Material Processing?

A Brief History of Laser Material Processing

In the 1960's a laser was invented and used to "zapp" metals, dielectrics (silicon, glass) and plastics. The first industrial application- LASER MATERIAL PROCESSING, was by Gillette who used lasers in the manufacturing of lasers. Since then, lasers were applied to the manufacturing processes of drilling, welding, cutting, cladding and even as a weapon, making the Russian sci-fi writer Alexei Tolstoy's "heat beam" a reality.

Where is Laser Material Processing Headed?

The use of lasers is growing rapidly and in addition to traditional, new techniques have emerged such as laser free-forming (direct metal deposition), paint removal, scribing and various surface modification. More and more applications are restricted by sophisticated requirements such as specific microstructure, controllable thermal induced stresses and deformation, specific heat input, etc. Additionally, the attempts are in progress to extend traditional techniques into the area of miniature manufacturing using micron sized welding, cutting and drilling.

Some Cool Laser Applications

When compared to the airplane manufacturing industry of the 1950's who could make no progress in design of airplanes without numerical simulation, the laser material processing industry has found itself in the same situation. There are many cool applications that require serious simulation based design.

Free form fabrication of dies for plastic injection molding with complex geometry cooling channels.

Drilling of cooling holes in turbine blades of jet engines.

Microsurgery on living cells

Microwelding of plastic to metal.

Soon all silicon wafers will be diced with lasers.