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Laser Cutting small parts

Laser Cutting small parts

Laser Cutting small parts

(OP)
I am looking for a recommendation for a material.

Small part, Largest dimension is .22mm smallest is .009mm

Tolerances are +- .0005mm

Environment is hydraulic fluid, pressure to 2000psi, temperature to 140°F.

Two flat surfaces of this material will be moving relative to each other.

I have been thinking either graphite or Teflon.

I was hoping to be able to use a laser to cut some of the features.

RE: Laser Cutting small parts

With such small sections (0.009mm or 0.0004") and tolerances in your part, I don't think laser cutting will work. With tiny material sections, the heat input from the laser cut may simply vaporize the tiny features of the part.

Teflon is generally not a good structural material for sustained loads since it tends to cold flow.

For a tiny part with extremely tight tolerances, you might consider using photo etched metal. It is extremely precise and produces no stress in the finished part.

RE: Laser Cutting small parts

I agree with tbuelna, polymeric materials are not going to be good options for 1) tight tolerance, 2) laser cutting, or 3) pressurized hydraulic application. To be honest, I am not sure if any manufacturing process is accurate to +/- 0.0005 mm. Photoetching is a good place to start:

http://www.photofabrication.com/

http://www.photofab.co.uk/

RE: Laser Cutting small parts

Often small precision parts are make from stainless steel sheet that has been cold rolled to higher strengths.
This material is dimensionally stable and strong enough to support fine features.

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