Ultrafast pulsed laser high precision micromachining of rotational symmetric parts

Abstract

Ultrafast lasers are frequently used to machine rotational symmetric workpieces either with tangential processing for tools or with a helical gravure approach for structuring cylinders for printing and embossing applications. The highest precision and repeatability for seamless multilayer processing on the surface of a rotational symmetric workpiece can be achieved by synchronizing a galvo scanner and a rotatory axis with the seed of the used laser system. With this technology, a repeatability of better than ±1μm is kept for hundreds of revolutions as it will be demonstrated for applications such as tube cutting and structuring of small embossing rollers.