Energy & Aviation

Laser MicroJet Benefits

Synova’s advanced Laser MicroJet (LMJ) systems with 3 or 5 axes are perfectly suited for machining high-precision parts in the energy and aviation industry.

 

IGT

The hybrid water jet/ laser method provides precise through-hole drilling in hot section components of industrial gas turbines for cooling that require special materials such as thermal barrier coatings. Superalloys with or without thermal barrier coating can be processed in one simple step, without cracks or delamination in the ceramic coating and extremely low recast in the metal structure.

The LMJ systems are able to drill round and shaped holes (square, trapezoidal and inclined) at high process speed and with excellent quality at the entry and exit of the hole as well as on the sidewall.

Compared with conventional laser methods, the technology’s “wet” approach offers a less aggressive cutting process without causing heat damage. The water jet continually cools the cutting zone and efficiently expels contaminants from the work piece surface. Any kind of metal, hard material and most ceramic-matrix composites, for example zirconia, alumina or silicon carbide can be machined. The running costs of the LMJ systems are low since there is no tool wear, very few consumables and low waste rates.   

 

Performance capabilities

Drilling of cooling holes in super alloys:

  • Aspect ratio up to 1:20 (diameter:depth)
  • Diameter down to 0.3 mm 
  • Depth up to 15 mm
  • Average recast down to 1 µm
  • Angle cutting possibilities down to 25°
  • Process time around 60s/ hole 

 Main Applications

  1. Drilling of cooling holes in hot section components of industrial gas turbines (e.g. blades or vanes with or without thermal-barrier coating):
  • Shaped diffusor holes (square, trapezoidal, inclined) 
  • Round holes

2. Cutting of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts 

 

Customer Sample Request Form

If you are interested in seeing how the Laser MicroJet® can improve your manufacturing processes, please send us a short description of your application (material, thickness, process, requirements).

Therefore please use the electronic form CSRF available in English, German or French:

docEnglish Request Form

docGerman Request Form

docFrench Request Form

 

Testimonial

"Despite the limited time I could get a first in-depth insight into the LMJ potential for ablating TBC and superalloy materials. We could also identify first promising process windows for ablation at high removal rates, particularly for metals, with quality still likely to meet our typical production requirements.

The LMJ process has a particular strength in the processing of superalloy metal material. Here the benefit from the local cooling by the water jet and the tolerant focus position are real assets, allowing to realize high removal rates at good quality."

 

(Alstom (now GE) after first LMJ machining tests)

Applications on Customer Site

This video shows precise through-hole drilling of a thermal barrier coated GE turbomachinery component using Synova's Laser MicroJet® technology. This technology is being utilized in an innovative manufacturing machine, developed through the partnership of GE, Synova and Makino Milling Machine.

Advanced manufacturing: Through-hole drilling of a TBC coated GE turbomachinery component

 

Learn how Synova's high-precision Laser MicroJet machine helps GE Power make jet engine and gas turbines more efficient:

GE Reports: Watch This Water-Guided Laser Machine Cut the Tiniest holes in the Toughest Metals

 

Are you interested in a demo or feasibility test?

Call now +41 21 55 22 600

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Case Studies

Read how Aerospace manufacturers are using Synova machines to obtain best quality and higher ROI:

Proposed Machines

The following machines are ideal for these types of applications:

The HybridCell

Read more about the Synova-Makino hole-drilling solution for aerospace and industrial gas turbine manufacturers:

When Precision matters, deliver it with advanced Laser-EDM Combo

Download our HybridCell flyer here: Synova-Makino HybridCell

Industrial Applications

Download brochure HERE

 

In the News

Read how GE Aviation uses the Laser MicroJet for machining CMC parts:

Plant Tour: GE Aviation, Asheville, NC, US