Parametric study of hole circularity in Nd:YAG laser microdrilling of alumina-aluminium (Al2O3-Al) interpenetrating phase composite

In the present research, pulsed Nd:YAG laser microdrilling operation has been carried out on alumina?aluminium (Al2O3?Al) Interpenetrating Phase Composites (IPC). These composites are widely used in structural application in aircraft and space stations. The effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser drilling parameters on the hole circularity at entry and exit has been investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Mathematical modelling of Nd:YAG laser performance criteria correlating the various process parameters has been done. This research also includes evaluation of the optimum laser drilling parameters to achieve maximum hole circularity at entry and exit.