Laser-Drilling Machine For Difficult Alloys

The VLD-300 is a compact laser drill that provides a 12"-cube (300 × 300 × 300 mm) work envelope. The five-axis Nd:YAG laser machine is designed for precise, high speed operation. It works with CO2, diode-pumped lasers as well as fiber lasers for aerospace, electronics, medical and automotive parts. One common application for this machine is drilling jet engine parts from materials such as Inconel, Waspalloy, Hastalloy or nickel-based titanium alloys. These parts can require as many as 3,000 tiny airflow holes, each at a different angle. The machine offers positioning accuracy and repeatability in the X, Y and Z axes of 0.00004" (0.001 mm). A-axis rotational positioning accuracy is ±6 arc seconds and repeatability is ±3 arc seconds. C-axis rotational accuracy is ±4 arc seconds, with repeatability of ±2 arc seconds. Acceleration rates are 1.5G in the X, Y and Z axes. The VLD-300's cast iron bed and linear motors provide rigidity and stability. A dust collection system, combined with an interior work area with smooth, highly sloped surfaces, keeps cutting debris from contaminating the work zone and machine components. The Nd:YAG system offers a focal length of 200 or 300 mm and has a height sensor for scanning and work offset probing. The machine can be fitted with pallets and robotic loading/unloading equipment for automated operation. The machine, laser and auxiliary equipment are all run by a Fanuc 310iM control featuring a Windows-based platform.