Cutting with particle beams: Drilling Performance

Ceramic matrix composites are notoriously difficult to machine because of the material’s hardness and nonuniformity, according to Karl Shaw, chief technology officer for IKONICS Corp. He added that laser machining can cause edge damage by remelting CMCs, and waterjet, drilling and other mechanical machining methods tend to cause delamination and fiber pullout and extend internal damage past the hole geometry.

Courtesy of IKONICS

A self-adherent mask is applied to a carbon-based composite.

Searching for a better method, IKONICS developed a new, patent-pending “particle beam” technology that effectively machines CMCs and carbon-based composites without damaging the matrix material, according to the company. IKONICS, working with Laser Technology Inc., recently completed preliminary testing.

IKONICS reported that particle beam technology is a “purposeful evolution” of what has been its core technology since the 1950s. It also reengineers traditional, blast-resistant films to accommodate industrial applications, such as MEMS sensors, ceramics and composites. Laser Technology offers shearographic, holographic and optical testing systems to measure material damage, and can detect variation of surface geometry down to 2nm.

Courtesy of IKONICS