This vertical Nd:YAG laser drilling machine for 12” cube parts (300 × 300 × 300 mm in X, Y, Z), the model VLD-300, was developed by Mitsui Seiki (Franklin Lakes, NJ) in collaboration with several aerospace engine component manufacturers who expressed a need for a higher-speed, more accurate laser-drilling machine than was currently available.

It’s common for some workpieces, primarily jet engine high-temperature-alloy parts, to require about 3000 smalldiam cooling-airflow holes-each at a different angle-to be drilled in a noncontact manner. Laser drilling is often the best option for speed, and to minimize material stress. Inconel, Waspalloy, Hastalloy, and nickel-based titanium alloys are the typical materials.

After three years in R&D, the VLD-300 offers positioning accuracy and repeatability in X, Y, Z axes of 0.00004” (0.001 mm). The A axis positioning accuracy is ±6 arc-sec; repeatability is ±3 arc-sec. On the C axis, accuracy is ±4 arc-sec, and repeatability is ±2 arc-sec. Cutting feed rate in X, Y, and Z is 0.004-787” (0.1-20,000 mm), and acceleration rate on the X, Y, and Z-axes is 1.5 g.

The company says the machine’s design uses Mitsui Seiki’s traditional machine tool building methodology, applying a laser rather than mechanical drilling tools. It reportedly incorporates a fairly simple, effective beam delivery system. The optic system has just one axis of motion, Z, and one bending mirror for easier maintenance and simple beam alignment.

Mitsui Seiki partnered with a European laser company to produce the Nd:YAG version of this new machine. The VLD-300 is designed to also work with CO2, diode-pump, and fiber lasers for different aerospace and other industry applications, such as certain electronics, medical, and automotive parts.

The VLD-300 has a cast-iron bed and linear motor drives. Combined with an interior work area of smooth, highly sloped surfaces, a dust collection system prevents cutting debris from contaminating the work zone and equipment. The Nd:YAG system offers a focal length of 200 or 300 mm with a height sensor for scanning and work-offset probing. The machine is described as “automation ready” for devices such as pallets and robotic loading/ unloading equipment. Circle 200

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