Spatter-free laser drilling of alumina ceramics based on gelcasting technology

Spatter and microcracks are inherent defects commonly associated with holes produced with laser drilling. In order to prevent spatter deposition and formation of microcacks this work reports a novel laser drilling method based on the gelcasting technology. The work presents a new laser drilling method, through which the irregular spatter at the exit of the hole and microcracks produced by the traditional laser drilling method can be effectively prevented by direct laser drilling of gelcast green body and compact micro holes with much more regular shapes without microcracks can be successfully obtained.