Abstract
Continuous wave (CW) fiber lasers have become a promising technique for drilling holes in difficult-to-cut materials; however, the drilling mechanism and the effect of process gases have not been widely studied. This current effort aims at understanding the mechanics of CW fiber laser drilling, the variables of the process and the effects on drilling speed and material removal rate (MRR). An experimental design employing the Taguchi method was implemented to achieve this goal. Inconel 718 was drilled with CW fiber laser drilling with a power of 1 kW. The results strongly suggest that the use of process gas is essential in the fiber laser drilling process. Also, CW fiber laser drilling is not suitable for producing blind holes.