Patent ID: 8242408
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: B23K,F02M

Abstract:
1. A method of laser machining a primary surface of a rigid workpiece, the workpiece including the primary surface and a secondary surface, the method comprising: positioning a masking device such that a surface portion of a tip of an inserting member of the masking device is adjacent to an inner side of the primary surface of the rigid workpiece, the tip of the masking device being formed from at least one of corundum, cubic zirconia, spinel, diamond, or alumina ceramic, the masking device also including a pivotable joint located on an end of the inserting member, applying a laser beam to the primary surface of the workpiece to machine a hole through the primary surface; and protecting the secondary surface from energy of the laser beam by absorbing at least part of the energy of the laser beam with the tip of the masking device.