Parametric study to improve laser hole drilling process

In the laser drilling process, the quality of the drilled holes is the main task. a method of studying the influence on the quality of the main process variables needs to be developed, which seeks to improve the quality and explains the drilling mechanism. In the present study, the effect of the laser parameters and the material properties on the hole quality when drilling is examined. A statistical approach, referred to as factorial design, is employed to test the significance level of the factors that affect the hole quality. Three materials, stainless steel, nickel and titanium, an considered. The experimental study yields tables of significance of each factor on the aspects that determine the quality of the holes. The hole geometry is evaluated by assigning marks for each geometric feature, the marking scheme being conducted relevant to the importance of the hole feature. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.