Laser drilling: micrometre-precision drilling in all your materials
From a few microns to several hundred microns, cylindrical or tapered geometries, slots, access to the most difficult areas: IREPA LASER develops bespoke laser drilling processes.
Laser drilling: one process, several modes
Compared with mechanical drilling, there is no cutting force and, whatever the hardness of the material, the laser is not subject to tool wear.
Unlike EDM, the laser drills regardless of the material’s electrical properties. The case-by-case features of laser drilling are:
- Diameter down to <10µm
- High aspect ratio 1:50
- Throughput / productivity
Metals, ceramics, composites: tailored laser drilling solutions
Drilling parameters must be adapted to each material and each drilling configuration, as the challenges differ depending on whether you are drilling titanium, ceramic or CFRP. The main families we work with are:
- Metals and alloys: steel, aluminium, nickel, titanium…
- Engineering polymers
- Ceramics and glass
- Composites (CFRP, CMC…)
Thanks to our mastery of laser–material interactions, we select the laser technology and adapt its parameters to guarantee precision, geometry and quality.
Drilling CFRP, 1mm thick
Our achievements in laser machining
Effusion holes in aerospace turbine blades, micro-drilling of watch components, perforation of medical devices: our laser drilling processes meet precision requirements that conventional technologies cannot achieve.
Comprehensive support for your laser drilling projects
Every laser drilling project begins with a precise definition of the surface property to be achieved. Here is our typical process.
Feasibility study and choice of laser parameters
Development and optimisation of patterns and textures
Trials and prototypes on real parts
Industrialisation and process transfer
Quality control and surface validation
Training in laser drilling
The new generation of pulsed lasers delivers performance that can place laser engraving in a strong position compared with traditional tools. Many applications are already operational in industry, particularly in watchmaking and even for the manufacture of injection moulds or dies
Our training courses enable you to :
- Be able to adapt settings according to the laser technology.
- Apply the basic principles of laser engraving and micro-machining.
- Master the influence of operating parameters.
- Acquire a process optimisation methodology.
Our training course aims to give you the skills to set up and optimise your engraving or micro-machining processes.
Need to drill your critical parts with precision?
Let’s identify together the laser drilling solution suited to your industrial challenges.
