Laser Micromachining – Polymer Machining
Precision features in Kapton / Polyimide Tubing (beveled tip)
Laser Micromachining Overview – Polymer Machining (Polyimide (Kapton), PEEK, PET (Mylar), Polycarbonate and others)
Changing a work surface with light
- Type of polymer being micromachined and its absorption spectrum are critical in determining the optimal laser source to use.
- Typically, matching the low transmission point of a given material to the corresponding laser wavelength yields the most favorable results.
- UV Lasers produce “cooler” excitation in polymers which results in an extremely clean cut quality with a minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
- Key considerations when choosing the appropriate laser source include, desired cut quality, feature size and throughput.
- There is a wide spectrum of process parameters that can be optimized in order to meet quality and cost targets. For example, shorter laser pulses can improve cut quality and reduce the Heat Affected Zone.
- The smallest feature size achievable with a UV laser source is about 1 micron.
- Potomac stocks many types of polymers in Dupont Kapton (polyimide), Mylar (PET), PEEK, Polycarbonate and others,
- Potomac has almost every laser wavelength in-house, including UV systems at 193nm, 248nm and 355nm.
Polymer: Microfluidic device in PEEK
Stretchable Kapton with embedded conductive lines
Laser Micromachining of Channel in Nylon Wire
Laser micromachining of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).
Laser Micromachining: Holes in Kapton Tube
Laser Micromachining - Cutting and Welding of Plastic
News & Articles
January 5, 2011
Laser processing works on a micro scale, by C. Paul Christensen
January 5, 2011
Fine Diamonds With Laser Machining, by C. Paul Christensen
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