
405Machining by Thermal Erosion
achieved using an argon ion laser operated at a power density of 0.8 MW/cm
2
with pulse width of less than 10 μs.
Marking computer keyboards: Ricciardi et al. (1996) developed an excimer
laser-based technique for marking computer keyboards with high speed
and exibility of production line that avoids the use of toxic solutions in the
marking process. The laser marking system, shown in Figure 12.25, does not
involve the introduction of any foreign materials or exert any mechanical
Beam power
Machining speed
Work thickness
FIGURE 12.23
Effect of work thickness and beam power on the machining speed.