| Abstract: | This paper reports on the characterisation and analysis of spatter deposition during laser drilling in Nimonic 263 alloy for various laser processing parameters using a fibre-optic delivered 400 W Nd:YAG laser. The principal findings are a large proportion of the spatter (approx. > 70%) was deposited due to the initial laser pulses (before beam breakthrough) required to drill a through-hole. Short pulse widths, low peak powers and high pulse frequencies generated smaller spatter deposition areas. At high pulse frequencies, the spatter distribution/thickness can be altered as a result of laser-ejected material interaction. Focal plane positions between −0.5 and +1.5 mm produced relatively similar spatter areas of about 14 mm2. As a result of the reduction in the material removed per pulse, a longer focal length of 160 mm generated smaller areas of spatter deposition in comparison to a shorter focal length of 120 mm. In addition, a generic relationship between the spatter area and dentrance/dexit with increasing total laser energy has been established. |
