Laser Cutting small parts 1

[Dougt115]

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.

 

[tbuelna]

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.

 

[TVP]

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/

 

[EdStainless]

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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