What Is the Tolerance of a Laser Cut Hole?
The tolerance of a laser cut hole can be as tight as just a few microns to +/- 0.002” mils (0.0508mm), in many instances. The variance of course is subject to factors such as the laser cutting machine used, material cut, and the geometric path the laser will travel. Hole sizes, especially in micro-machine manufacturing, are a constant variable that mechanical engineers and product designers inquire about. Micro sized holes are features that may be subjected to fluid and gas transmission or possibly light or sound. At extremely small sizes, the difference in diameter can be critical affect the performance of an intended device. Holding a specified tolerance is the challenge of laser cutting service providers and from experience consider and adjust to several factors during the manufacturing process.
Challenge Accepted
All lasers cut features to a designed tolerance of size and edge quality. Holes and for this discussion, round holes are common for many devices and micro-machining needs. As mentioned earlier, small round holes are designed to regulate volumes of fluids, gases, sound waves or other substances and particles. For a laser manufacturing, the first of many details that are reviewed will be the geometry to cut and the material and thickness being requested. The combination of these will direct to which laser technology has that right capability to achieve the intended design. For example, laser cutting 1mil thick copper foil, with holes in diameter of 4mils or 0.1016mm, and a tolerance of +/- .0005” mils (0.0127mm), will cut extremely well on an ultraviolet laser system. On the other hand, a project cut on a 20mil thick copper sheet, with holes diameters of .005” mils (0.127mm) to .015”mils (0.381mm), will have a tolerance of +/- .002” to .003”mil (0.0508 to 0.0762mm). The given tolerance of laser cutting technology is consistent within the chosen laser system. This reliability is controlled in part through industry quality standards like ISO, which is the International Organization for Standardization. It is a non-governmental organization, compromising standards from over 160 countries. Laser manufacturing service providers, specializing in micromachining, undergo ISO certification and input processes to ensure the laser cutting machines operate to their potential.
How Small of a Hole Can a Laser Cut?
A recurring question asked of laser manufacturers is “how small of a hole size can you cut?” The answer would be brief if there was only one laser technology available. Fortunately, laser technology is diverse and serves many industries with machines that can cut a wide range of materials. The type of laser systems in use today can handle the demands of innovative engineers who wish to push beyond what is currently the mainstream. The diameter of precision cut holes is dependent primarily on the material being cut and the laser method being used. The following list can be used as a guide to direct the type of laser system or systems available for the smallest hole diameters and tolerance you may need:*
•UV or Ultraviolet Laser: Theoretically with beam diameters of 20micron, a hole can be cut....
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What Is the Tolerance of a Laser Cut Hole? - A-Laser Precision Laser Cutting
A-Laser Precision Laser Cutting - Laser Ablation, UV and IR Lasers
