Laser and mechanical micro-drilling for aerospace applications

Oghenefegor Favour Ugbine 1, *, Odion Beston Akhabue 2, Philip Onyinye Blessing 3, Adeniran-Bakare Silifat Mobisayo 4, Joshua Ojochegbe Egbunu 5, Victor Osigbemeh Dauda 6 and Agbonze Nosa Godwin 6

1 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Manufacturing 4.0 by the Intelligent and Sustainable Technologies Programme, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France.

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, Nigeria.

4 Department of Civil Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, Nigeria.

5 Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Kwara State University, Kwara State, Nigeria.

6 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 23(02), 744–753
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.2.2380
Publication history: 
Received on 23 June 2024; revised on 04 August 2024; accepted on 07 August 2024
 
Abstract: 
Traditional laser percussion drilling encounters challenges related to poor geometry and thermal defects. At the same time, mechanical micro-drilling while generating high-quality holes, faces issues such as premature drill breakage and difficulty drilling at acute angles. This review paper introduces a novel approach to micro-drilling Inconel 718 alloy sheets at acute angles by combining sequential laser and mechanical drilling. The study showcases the feasibility and fundamental characteristics of this innovative technique. Results indicate that the sequential laser-mechanical micro-drilling approach mitigates the drawbacks associated with laser-drilled holes, leading to reduced burr size, decreased machining time, and increased tool life when compared to conventional mechanical drilling methods. This advancement holds promise for enhancing precision and efficiency in aerospace applications, paving the way for improved manufacturing processes in the aerospace industry.
 
Keywords: 
Laser Micro-Drilling; Mechanical Micro-Drilling; Aerospace Applications
 
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