Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are a cornerstone of advanced material engineering, particularly in fields demanding high strength-to-weight ratios such as aerospace and automotive industries. Traditional mechanical drilling methods for CFRP have been fraught with challenges, including tool wear and material delamination. However, a groundbreaking approach using laser technology promises to revolutionize the machining of CFRP.
The New Laser Drilling Process
Researchers at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., INVENT GmbH, and KMS Technology Center GmbH have developed a novel laser drilling technique that significantly enhances the efficiency and quality of CFRP machining. This process involves splitting a laser beam into multiple partial beams, which simultaneously create multiple bores in the material.
Key Advantages
- Precision: Achieves bores with diameters as small as 0.25 mm.
- Speed: Drilling time is reduced to less than a tenth of a second per bore.
- Wear-Free: Eliminates tool wear, reducing maintenance costs.
- Flexibility: Allows for easy adjustment of bore diameter and pattern without tool changes.
Application in Aviation
One of the most promising applications of this technology is in aviation, where CFRP components can be used as sound-absorbing cladding elements to reduce aircraft noise emissions. The precision and wear-free nature of laser drilling make it ideal for creating the necessary micro-perforations in these materials.
