Lasers are widely used in the aerospace industry. Laser-based hole generation with high quality, high efficiency and high precision has been a key challenge encountered during the process of aero-engine development. The solution of this problem has also been urgently required for manufacturing the high-performance aero-engine. However, the incident laser beam can be shielded by the laser-induced plasma and vapour. Normally, the recast layer with micro cracks can also be induced by laser-based hole generation. If using an ultrafast laser for improving the hole quality, the hole-generation efficiency will be significantly reduced. These issues cannot be solved concurrently only by using a traditional laser. Accordingly, this presentation summarizes the recent research advances in hybrid laser-based hole generation by the speaker’s research team, aiming for improving both quality and efficiency of laser-based hole generation with a high machining precision. In this talk, some hybrid laser-based hole generation methods with their respective experimental results using the assistance of the ultrasonic vibrations, electric field, lateral airflow, magnetic field and/or water immersion will be reported for solving the technical issues mentioned above. Their primary potential applications in manufacturing some aero-engine components will be introduced. Future prospects and research opportunities for surface brazing will also be discussed.

laser hole-cutting,laser drilling,laser trepanning,ultrasonic vibrations,magnetic field,electric field,lateral airflow,water,surface brazing