Fiber laser drilling of Ni46Mn27Ga27 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy

The interest in ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (SMAs), such as NiMnGa, is increasing, thanks to the functional properties of these smart and functional materials. One of the most evident properties of these systems is their brittleness, which makes attractive the study of unconventional manufacturing processes, such as laser machining. In this work the interaction of laser beam, once focalized on the surface of Ni46Mn27Ga27 [at%] alloy, has been studied. The experiments were performed with a single laser pulse, using a 1 kW continuous wave fiber laser. The morphology of the laser machined surfaces was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energetic dispersion spectroscopy for the measurement of the chemical composition. The results showed that the high quality of the laser beam, coupled with great irradiances available, allow for blind or through holes to be machined on 1.8 mm plates with a single pulse in the order of a few ms. Holes were produced with size in the range of 200-300 mu m; despite the long pulse duration, low amount of melted material is produced around the hole periphery. No significant variation of the chemical composition has been detected on the entrance surfaces while the exit ones have been characterized by the loss of Ga content, due to its melting point being significantly lower with respect to the other alloying elements. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.