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Production failure analysis during laser microperforation of thermoplastics

Production failure analysis during laser microperforation of thermoplastics

What was the challenge or problem to solve?

A failure in our customer’s laser microperforation process caused unexpected stops in the production line and, therefore, undesired economic losses.

The thermoplastic material was thought to be the source of the failure and a complete forensic engineering analysis was requested.

Production failure analysis during laser microperforation of thermoplastics
In addition, it was desired to perform a quality test upon receipt of the materials in order to avoid a repetition of the production stoppage in the future.

Production failure analysis during laser microperforation of thermoplastics
How was it addressed or what was the solution?

Since the analysis involved both materials science and laser technology, a multidisciplinary team was needed to generate hypotheses that could then be tested.

Multiple parameters are involved in the microdrilling process that can affect the results, from the color of the material to the footprint of the laser beam, everything counts.

 

INFINITIA’s Forensic Engineering team designed two different tests to separate the contribution of the laser and the thermoplastic material to the problem.

Through various in-lab analyses, it was possible to detect and address the root cause, finding a solution and resuming production.