High precision simulated defects
High precision simulated defects
Keywords Laser drilling, Lasers, Oxford Lasers, Precision instruments
It is believed that high beam quality, high peak power and excellent match to the absorption characteristics of metals, makes the copper laser ideally suited to precision cutting and drilling. Oxford Lasers claims to use all these qualities to offer unparalleled control of shape, accuracy and feature dimensions in a range of materials, especially relevant to non destructive testing.
Oxford Lasers' high precision techniques reportedly make it possible to produce slots or defect simulations at widths of only 4 to 5 microns with extremely high aspect ratios(depth:width) up to 60:1. Such dangerously fine defects do occur in reality but are particularly difficult to replicate artificially by any other means.
Producing these features with copper laser techniques has the additional advantage of creating a very sharp tip profile at the bottom of each slot or crack which exactly mimics the form of natural defects and associated stress patterns. Various shaped profiles can be produced to imitate surface features such as pits, grooves and other wear formations.
Without the requirement of a bulky machine head, laser power can be aimed directly at the test area to machine sites that would be otherwise inaccessible, including the interior surface of pipes, tubes and other components. The absence of vibration or force transmitted to the specimen means that laser machining can be used to introduce simulated defects into very weak or fragile materials, and the non intrusive nature of laser power means that very little or no damage is caused. Oxford Lasers' experience in the production of precise, accurate and high quality simulated defects can offer significant benefits to those working in the non destructive testing field. Copper laser micro machining can:
provide examination specimens for the certification of NDT operators and test pieces for use in inspection qualification procedures;
manufacture test pieces for inspection development work, for example the development of an inspection protocol to locate a particular size of defect in a particular location;
produce test pieces for the training of NDT operators; and
make calibration blocks with reproducible standards for ultrasonic,magnetic, penetrant and eddy-current testing.
Oxford Lasers has fully equipped application laboratory facilities for carrying out feasibility studies,development contracts, sample production, sub-contract manufacture or process optimisation. Consultation with Oxford Lasers' highly qualified and experienced team of engineers could provide valuable enhancement to your current NDT programme.
Further details from Oxford Lasers Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 1235 554211; E-mail: or Oxford Lasers Inc. Tel: +1(978) 264 9110; E-mail: oxford.inc@oxfordlasers.com
