Laser Drilling

Laser drilling, also known as ablation, breaks down materials layer by layer through repeatedly pulsing laser beams at them, creating thru-holes where desired. Several industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, semiconductor, electronics and consumer goods utilize laser drilling applications.

Due to its high level of adaptability and precision, automated laser drilling serves as a more effective alternative to other techniques such as punching, mechanical drilling and wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). In an automated setting, the laser’s beam heat output, intensity and length are accurately and precisely adjusted and regulated during the drilling process. This level of control allows the laser drilling process to handle a variety of materials and to drill holes of many different sizes and diameters.

Benefits of Automated Laser Drilling

Laser drilling can work with different materials or perform many different types of drilling actions through machine process programming and robotic automation. This programming and reprogramming ability allows for efficient setup times and high-volume production opportunities. Automating a laser drilling process provides many benefits for factories and other industrial facilities that implement its processes.

• Variable Hole Shapes – Automated laser drilling has a high degree of control and customizability. This means that this process can create many different hole shapes and even various types of angled holes.
• Production Flexibility – Automating a laser drilling process can quickly switch over to other materials as the need arises, such as when small batches or prototypes need to be drilled.
• Simultaneous Drilling – Automation permits some processes to drill several different features on the same workpiece concurrently.
• Non-contact Drilling – As a non-contact cutting method, automated laser drilling causes virtually no wear on the materials it drills or the tooling itself.
• Laser Precision – The laser beam’s duration, heat output and beam intensity can be controlled with great exactness, which allows the process to repeatedly fabricate drilled pieces that perfectly match order demands.
• Diversity of Materials – Laser drilling can be performed on all types of metals and non-metallic materials such as silicon, plastics and fibers.
• Laser Versatility – Typically, the laser drilling tool can fulfill other roles in the laser processing suite, such as laser cutting and laser welding. This allows a manufacturing factory to save time and money.

Midwest Engineered Systems, a leading automated production line integrator, has a history of integrating automated laser drilling processes into automation systems. From small stand-alone laser systems to large robotic integration processes, MWES custom designs each automated laser drilling process for our customers’ specialized needs. Backed by extensive knowledge, experience and certifications, our expert professionals can deliver a turn-key solution for your automation needs.

If you are interested in learning more about automated laser drilling solutions, please contact us today. We can provide you with a customized solution that meets your specific needs and requirements.