Energy & Aviation

Systems with 3 or 5 axes are perfectly suited for machining high-precision parts in the energy and aviation industry.
The hybrid water jet/ laser method provides precise through-hole drilling in hot section components of industrial gas turbines for cooling that require special materials such as thermal barrier coatings. Superalloys with or without thermal barrier coating can be processed in one simple step, without cracks or delamination in the ceramic coating and extremely low recast in the metal structure.

The LMJ systems are able to drill round and shaped holes (square, trapezoidal and inclined) at high process speed and with excellent quality at the entry and exit of the hole as well as on the sidewall.

Compared with conventional laser methods, the technology’s “wet” approach offers a less aggressive cutting process without causing heat damage. The water jet continually cools the cutting zone and efficiently expels contaminants from the work piece surface. Any kind of metal, hard material and most ceramic-matrix composites, for example zirconia, alumina or silicon carbide can be machined. The running costs of the LMJ systems are low since there is no tool wear, very few consumables and low waste rates.

Systems with 3 or 5 axes are perfectly suited for machining high-precision parts in the energy and aviation industry.
The hybrid water jet/ laser method provides precise through-hole drilling in hot section components of industrial gas turbines for cooling that require special materials such as thermal barrier coatings. Superalloys with or without thermal barrier coating can be processed in one simple step, without cracks or delamination in the ceramic coating and extremely low recast in the metal structure.

The LMJ systems are able to drill round and shaped holes (square, trapezoidal and inclined) at high process speed and with excellent quality at the entry and exit of the hole as well as on the sidewall.

Compared with conventional laser methods, the technology’s “wet” approach offers a less aggressive cutting process without causing heat damage. The water jet continually cools the cutting zone and efficiently expels contaminants from the work piece surface. Any kind of metal, hard material and most ceramic-matrix composites, for example zirconia, alumina or silicon carbide can be machined. The running costs of the LMJ systems are low since there is no tool wear, very few consumables and low waste rates.

Performance Capabilities

Drilling of cooling holes in super alloys:

  • Aspect ratio up to 1:20 (diameter:depth)
  • Diameter down to 0.3 mm
  • Depth up to 15 mm
  • Average recast down to 1 µm
  • Angle cutting possibilities down to 25°
  • Process time around 60s/ hole

Main Applications

1. Drilling of cooling holes in hot section components of industrial gas turbines (e.g. blades or vanes with or without thermal-barrier coating):
Shaped diffuser holes (square, trapezoidal, inclined) Round holes

2. Cutting of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts

Are you interested in a demo or feasibility test?

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