Low Power Laser Surfi-Sculpt

The functional properties of materials can be enhanced using surface features,for instance;to improve the thermal properties of heat exchangers.The development of the laser Surfi-Sculpt process over the past decade has resulted in a technology capable of producing a wide variety of features in metallic substrates.Furthermore,the potential for producing similar features in polymeric and ceramic substrates also exists.Recently the potential for utilizing high power focused laser beams to produce surface features using this process has been demonstrated.This paper details the results of recent trials performed with a 200 Yb-fibre laser and a galvanometer driven beam scanner for producing surface features using the Surfi-Sculpt process.A compact,cheap,easily robotically automated,laser Surfi-Sculpt machine,being able to operate at atmospheric pressure may have potential in a range of industry sectors.