Abstract

Pure nickel, Hastealloy X, and Inconel 718 alloys were laser drilled to a depth of 0.8 in. A pulsed CO₂ laser was used for drilling. The operating parameters that were varied included voltage, pulse width, and repetition rate. Holes were drilled in specimens ¹/₄ × ¹/₄ × 0.8 in. After drilling, specimens were sectioned by watering saw, metallographically mounted, and polished. It was found that generally the holes were narrow at the top and bottom of the specimens with a bulging out in the center.

© 1985 Optical Society of America