Numerical simulation of laser micro drilling of polymethyl Methacrylate

Laser micro-material processing (LMM) is a good choice for producing intricate features like cooling holes in turbine blades, cardiac stents, Microfluidic channels, Micro-via, inkjet printer nozzle, biomedical catheter holes, thin-film scribing, and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) fabrication. PMMA (polymethyl Methacrylate) has a wide usage for biomedical applications due to its non-toxic nature, ease of processing, biocompatibility, and reliability. A focused laser beam removes material by localized melting and evaporation in laser micromachining. LMM is a thermal energy-based process with thermal stresses, heat-affected zone formation, and recast layer. This paper uses a 2D axisymmetric model to investigate the effects of laser micro-drilling process parameters on PMMA using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2. The laser beam profile is Gaussian, and the laser beam was modelled as a moving heat source. Temperature distribution and the heat-affected zone for different incident laser powers were evaluated.