Direct photonic etching of electrical materials. (17th July 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackson, Mark J.; Robinson, Grant M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of nanomanufacturing. Volume 1:Number 4(2007)
• Page Start: 478
• Page End: 489
• Publication Date: 2007-07-17
• Subjects: micromachining -- copper -- aluminium alloys -- direct photonic etching -- electrical materials -- photonic processing -- nanomanufacturing -- protective gas environment -- gas pressure -- silicon steel machining -- DPSS lasers -- plasma control -- surface morphology -- electrical components -- thin plates; Nanostructured materials industry -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-9392

Abstract

Multiwavelength Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) lasers allows operations such as micromachining in a variety of materials such as ceramics, metals and polymers. A series of experiments was performed to investigate how the protective gas environment and gas pressure affect the ability to cut and machine silicon steel. Results from this study reveal that traditional plasma-controlling gases have a detrimental effect on the surface morphology of machined electrical components. This paper discusses the theory behind direct photonic etching and explains how the machining of thin plates of silicon steel can benefit the rapid production of electrical components such as transformer cores and dynamo pole pieces.