Preliminary study of laser deep machining

Nowadays, laser machining of metals has some advantages over more traditional processes. For example, there is greater flexibility of use and no mechanical contact with the surface. In micro-machining, shorter pulses reduce heat-affected damage of the material and open new ways for nanometer accuracy. This study presents a new use of pulsed lasers. Indeed, a laser usually used for marking (a few microns deep) has achieved scour over ten millimeter deep over an area of a few square centimeters. The objective of this study is to better understand the potential of the process and by extension to define new ways to develop the applicability of this method. An experimental study was carried out using a pulsed laser with an energy of up to 1 mJ at 1064 nm (pulse duration from 130 to 180 ns, repetition rate of 50 to 100 kHz). The influence of various operating parameters of laser processing has been studied. This paper will discuss preliminary results that concern the optimization of the machining process throug...