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. Super alloys 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.
Compared with conventional laser methods, the technology’s “wet” approach offers a less aggressive ablation process without causing heat damage. The water jet continually cools the cutting zone and efficiently expels contaminants from the work piece surface.
The MCS offers a precise XYZ stage fully protected against water ingress, a large sturdy mounting table, and a cast iron machine frame. The control interface with touch screen functionality is ergonomically designed and provides access to all devices.
Thanks to built-in subsystems such as laser generation and water treatment, the overall LMJ system footprint is considerably reduced. The running costs of the LMJ systems are lower since there is no tool wear, very few consumables and low waste rates.