The invention relates to a drilling device comprising a light source configured to provide a light beam and a diffractive beam propagation device having a substantially planar surface, wherein the light source is configured such that the light beam is incident on the planar surface of the diffractive beam propagation device, and wherein the diffractive beam propagation device is configured to propagate the light beam as one or more propagated beams such that the one or more propagated beams, at least when being integrated over time, surround an area with a substantially circular shape. A use of the drilling device for drilling a hole in a work piece and a method suitable for drilling a hole in a work piece are also provided.

A method for detecting drilling progress in laser drilling is provided. The method includes sensing a process condition during the drilling of an airfoil, and sensing a change in the process condition indicative of a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through a near wall of the airfoil. The method additionally includes continuing to sense the process condition subsequent to the sensed change in the process condition to improve the accuracy of the breakthrough detection.

A method for detecting drilling progress in laser drilling is provided. The method includes sensing a process condition during the drilling of an airfoil, and sensing a change in the process condition indicative of a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through a near wall of the airfoil. The method additionally includes continuing to sense the process condition subsequent to the sensed change in the process condition to improve the accuracy of the breakthrough detection.

A method for manufacturing an airfoil is provided, the method including drilling a hole in a near wall of the airfoil using a laser drill and activating a back strike protection in a cavity of the airfoil. The method additionally includes detecting a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through the near wall of the airfoil and subsequently initiating a drilling subroutine, with the drilling subroutine including a continued operation of the laser drill. Such a method may provide for an improved hole, such as a cooling passage, in the airfoil.

A method for manufacturing an airfoil is provided, the method including drilling a hole in a near wall of the airfoil using a laser drill and activating a back strike protection in a cavity of the airfoil. The method additionally includes detecting a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through the near wall of the airfoil and subsequently initiating a drilling subroutine, with the drilling subroutine including a continued operation of the laser drill. Such a method may provide for an improved hole, such as a cooling passage, in the airfoil.

A laser processing device includes a laser emitter, an optical processor, a gas deflector and a gas source. The optical processor is furnished on optical path of the laser beam for guiding the laser beam to transmit along a looped processing path. The gas deflector has an optical channel, a looped gas channel and a looped gas outlet. The looped gas outlet is connected to the looped gas channel. The looped gas channel surrounds the optical channel, and a section of the looped gas channel close to the looped gas outlet is furnished in inclined position. The gas source is furnished on the gas deflector and is communicated with the looped gas channel for providing a gas flow to flow into the looped gas channel. The gas flow is guided by the looped gas channel.

Methods and systems for laser cutting of components are disclosed herein. Examples are specifically suited for laser cutting relatively large components of e.g. a vehicle framework such as a unitary side panel of a vehicle door. Multiple robots may perform laser cutting operations substantially simultaneously.

Methods and systems for laser cutting of components are disclosed herein. Examples are specifically suited for laser cutting relatively large components of e.g. a vehicle framework such as a unitary side panel of a vehicle door. Multiple robots may perform laser cutting operations substantially simultaneously.

A laser drilling system is configured with a combination of system components including a fiber laser source, laser processing head, dynamic compensator, configured with one or multiple galvanometers, and stage supporting the workpiece to be laser drilled. The system components are all functionally coupled to one another to provide a plurality of trepanned holes in the workpiece each with the desired geometry. The laser head and stage are continuously displaceable relative to one another while the dynamic compensator pivots so as to keep the laser spot and the predetermined drilling location stationary relative to one another over a predetermined period of time sufficient for drill the hole. The laser source is selected from solid-state lasers configured with a single core or multi-core delivery fiber. The multicore delivery fiber is associated with adjustable mode beam (AMB) lasers to provide annular, polygonal or irregular holes.

A laser drilling system is configured with a combination of system components including a fiber laser source, laser processing head, dynamic compensator, configured with one or multiple galvanometers, and stage supporting the workpiece to be laser drilled. The system components are all functionally coupled to one another to provide a plurality of trepanned holes in the workpiece each with the desired geometry. The laser head and stage are continuously displaceable relative to one another while the dynamic compensator pivots so as to keep the laser spot and the predetermined drilling location stationary relative to one another over a predetermined period of time sufficient for drill the hole. The laser source is selected from solid-state lasers configured with a single core or multi-core delivery fiber. The multicore delivery fiber is associated with adjustable mode beam (AMB) lasers to provide annular, polygonal or irregular holes.