A Study on Influence of Beam Orientation in Engraving Using CO2 Laser

Abstract

In recent times, lasers have been adopted in specific areas of machining because of their unique qualities. There has been a lot of research on the factors that affect the laser machining process. However most of this research has been conducted when machining with the beam perpendicular to the workpiece while there are cases where a non-vertical beam may be preferred for instance when machining features at oblique angles to the surface. Examples of such features are the cooling holes in certain parts of the aeroengine components or in the making of vias. This paper discusses the various uses of lasers in general, and further focuses on challenges in using sealed gas, continuous wave CO2 laser in engraving with a varying beam incidence angle. Experimental results showing the how the kerf width and machined depth vary with a changing beam incidence angle have also been presented