Grooving by Nd:YAG laser treatment

Abstract The properties of the laser beam have been used to produce deep and thin grooves in metals, melted material being removed with the assistance of a high velocity gas. Preliminary experiments show that the geometry and the location of the gas inlet tube are the main parameters governing the evacuation of the scoria. The influence of the nature of the materials on the depth of the grooves is discussed from examination of the grooves realized on various metals (copper, aluminum, titanium,…). Finally, a statistical study is performed to indicate the parameters that have to be controlled to secure regular grooves. It appears that the groove width is not too much affected by parameter var…