The properties of the laser beam have been used to produce deep and thin grooves in metals, melted material being removed with the assistance of a high velocity gas. Preliminary experiments show that the geometry and the location of the gas inlet tube are the main parameters governing the evacuation of the scoria. The influence of the nature of the materials on the depth of the grooves is discussed from examination of the grooves realized on various metals (copper, aluminum, titanium,...). Finally, a statistical study is performed to indicate the parameters that have to be controlled to secure regular grooves. It appears that the groove width is not too much affected by parameter variations and remains smaller than 0.3 mm. For the depth, the frequency of the pulses is an important parameter (it must be as high as possible) but the location of the gas jet is the predominant factor. Grooves of 2.4 mm depth have been obtained, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
