Quality Improvement by Parameter Optimization in Laser Trepan Drilling of Superalloy Sheet

Abstract

Abstract Drilling of small-diameter holes meeting stringent quality standards in superalloys such as Inconel718 (having widespread applications in aeroengine component manufacturing) has always been a challenging task. Laser drilling has wide applications in the aerospace industry. Laser trepan drilling (LTD) provides better control over the drilled hole geometry compared with laser percussion drilling to fulfill the higher dimensional accuracy requirement. This article presents an integrated approach of artificial neural network and genetic algorithm for the modeling and optimization of geometrical quality characteristics such as hole taper and circularity during LTD of 1.6 mm thick Inconel718 superalloy sheet. The optimum results show considerable improvements in hole taper, and hole circularities at laser beam entry and exit sides. Higher values of laser pulse frequency and trepanning speed in the present range have resulted in more circular holes with reduced taper. Keywords: DrillingInconel718LaserOptimization Notes Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/lmmp.