THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL/THE SHOW
10.01.2020
A - Machines
The Laser MicroJet® Technology
The Fusion of Water and Light
For the first time ever, it is possible to combine the advantages of both water and laser cutting in one operation. Utilizing the difference in the refractive indices of air and water, the technology behind Laser MicroJet® creates a laser beam that is completely reflected at the air-water interface.
The laser is, therefore, entirely contained within the water jet as a cylindrical beam, similar in principle to an optical fiber.
This lack of deviation is maintained through and beyond the work piece, facilitating the accurate cutting of porous or layered materials, all with minimal thermal and structural distortion, leaving a fine cut edge.
The water jet guided laser therefore combines the low-temperature and large working distance advantages of high-pressure water jet cutting with the precision and speed of conventional laser cutting.
As a result, the Laser MicroJet has a remarkably wide range of applications and has established itself amongst other well-known cutting methods including dry lasers, diamond saws, EDM, stamping, water jet cutting and etching.