Laser Ablation is the removal of material from the surface of a part. Large-area ablation examples include paint removal and surface cleaning. Smaller feature laser ablation is used in thin film patterning, blind-hole and shaped feature drilling as well as localized conformal coating removal.

Laser technology provides the flexibility for application optimization, whether this is precisely delineating the surface area to be removed, the depth of material removal, or the speed of the process.

• No consumable materials - no chemicals, stencils or mechanical tools to wear

• Repeatable and cost-effective

• High resolution process with definition of the ablation area and material depth controlled down to a sub-micron range

• Wide flexibility and easily programmed with complete flexibility on pattern details

• Ablation systems can automatically match to previous layers or part processing variations, ensuring the highest part yield

Why are more manufacturers using laser ablation?

Laser ablating large-areas benefit from the elimination of abrasive media and chemicals used in traditional processes. Selective area processes see dramatic cycle time improvements through the elimination of slow and costly masking steps. All users enjoy the same laser benefits of predictable, repeatable part quality and ease of automation to maximize productivity.

Mechanical Milling vs Fiber Laser Ablation

Mechanical milling is a robust industrial technique for more traditional part processing.

Lasers offer greater resolution for more accurate processing and can easily accommodate intricate, complex shapes. Lasers are non-contact with no wearing tool bits, which provides a consistent high quality finish. Except for high-volume metal removal, laser ablation is significantly faster.

Micro Abrasive Blasting vs Fiber Laser Ablation

Micro abrasive blasting is good for machining channels and holes where lower accuracy is acceptable. Process alternatives include focused media jets and masked substrates.

Fiber lasers have greater dimensional accuracy, have no masking requirements, and no costs associated with the disposal of abrasive media.

Micro Grinding vs Fiber Laser Ablation

Micro grinding is good for processing hard materials where very high surface finish and minimization of burrs is important, although it may be considered more of a finishing process than bulk removal technique.

Laser ablation is faster and operates on a broader range of material types. Laser ablation is a non-contact technique that does not require replacement of expensive tool grinding bits.