CAM solution for quasi-tangential laser ablation of complex 3D workpieces

Abstract

A fast forward computation of the laser ablation paths and hatches for complex 3D geometries enabled by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) toolbox is presented. Specifically, the laser paths for quasi-tangential irradiance condition on a rotary specimen are calculated and the machine code for a laser manufacturing system with up to seven synchronously controllable axes generated. In order to set the parameters for the path determination, an empirical parameter study points to the material specific removal rate in accordance with pulse and line overlap. Therefore, a manifold use of this tool is possible for all laser sources from continuous wave to ultra-short pulses. This leads to a unique flexible way, hith-erto not available for fast prototyping applications. Following, laser manufactured specimens with complex contour shapes reveal the high potential of this approach. High-precision laser manufactured dental implants and diamond-grinding tools with tolerances in the micrometer range serve as demonstrators.