Process Date: September 2002
Using a Synrad 25W laser we drilled the 0.003" thick polyurethane sheet shown above.  The 48-2 laser was pulsed at 1.85KHz with a pulse length of 190 microseconds giving an average power of 4.4W.  Each 0.006" hole was made using 25 pulses and 5psi Nitrogen assist gas. The assist gas was set up to be a diffuse source to both blow the vaporized plastic through the hole and form a shield around the drill area to prevent debris from settling on the surface.  To do this, a gas nozzle with a 0.125" opening was used and positioned 0.25" from the surface. This particular type of polyurethane film is used in the medical field and is commonly perforated using a hot needle.


0.006" holes drilled in 0.003" polyurethane sheet using a Synrad 25W laser and 2.5" positive meniscus lens providing a spot size of 0.004" .