Laser micromachining is a process used to make tiny features in parts - measured in micrometers or millimeters. Pulsed lasers effectively complete this work by depositing very small, finite amounts of energy into a material, resulting in extremely precise and reproducible material removal. Suitable deposition of energy enables the laser to ablate, cut, drill, machine or scribe a material. A number of pulsed lasers are available for micromachining; in these examples, we used a 20W single mode pulsed fiber laser marker.
You read that correctly – laser micromachining of metals can be faster and cheaper with fiber laser markers. Their superior beam quality can achieve results similar to traditional machining technologies at less than half the cost! Plus – laser markers can…mark things! Who wouldn’t want one piece of equipment to do several things? And do them so well?
In our last blog, we explored when laser markers make sense in comparison to other marking technologies. Key reasons included high mark and material variation, fragile material, and mark durability. But did you know laser markers can also be used for machining? Yep - your laser marker can do double duty as a micromachining system!