(PreciHol) Ultra high precision laser hole drilling

"PreciHol will develop novel ultra-precise laser micro-drilling processes for industrial applications. Laser drilling is fast gaining market share and becoming an enabling or critical process in the manufacture of goods ranging from cars to computers. The laser drilling process at the micron scales is highly complex and involves the optimization of the laser source, beam shaping optics, motion control system and software including complex process recipes and toolpaths. Oxford Lasers has 25 years' laser micro-machining experience and yet the challenges faced here are daunting and will require intense effort to overcome.

The continuous miniaturisation trend driven by industrial needs puts pressure on laser technology to deliver millions of perfectly shaped, micron sized holes at ever decreasing cost as these features get incorporated in more consumer goods. Key issues remain: how to control 3D laser etching to achieve millions of identical uniform shaped holes when the laser induced physical processes at play are naturally highly non-linear and to deliver all this at industrial production timescales and with acceptable cost.

We will develop new hardware prototypes and advanced laser drilling recipes to progress current state of art and demonstrate reduced hole size, increased aspect ratio and faster production rates at statistically significant levels so as to be production ready. Our activities will lift developments from TRL level 3 to 6\.

The project will directly benefit Oxford Lasers by unlocking new and highly desirable technology potential for our customers and their end-users and by enhancing both our product and subcontract service in a highly competitive market that experiences fast paced growth. As these challenges continue we expect the number of suppliers who can meet them to dwindle. If Oxford Lasers can keep pace in this global rapidly changing market we should be able to grow significantly and gain market-share."