With the new micro-PKD drill, ZECHA expands its portfolio in the field of high-precision micro tools and opens up new possibilities for demanding applications in precision manufacturing. The new tool technology includes diameters from 0.05 to 0.5 mm and is aimed at industries where the highest dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and process reliability are crucial.
The foundation for the production of micro-PKD drills is state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technology. This allows for the machining of hard materials such as PKD and CBN with the highest precision and almost without thermal influence. This enables tool geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional grinding methods. Especially in the micro area, this opens up new perspectives, as the tool geometry is no longer limited by the shape of the grinding wheel.
While solid carbide tools have primarily been used in micro machining so far, ZECHA enables for the first time the economical machining of PKD and CBN materials in the micro area with the new laser technology. This results in micro-PKD drills with diameters up to 50 µm, whose laser-generated cutting edges allow for reduced cutting forces, optimized chip removal, and significantly higher tool life in the drilling process.
For users, this means more process reliability, fewer tool changes, and consistent machining quality even in particularly delicate applications.
The new micro-PKD drills are used, among other things, in medical technology, precision mechanics, the semiconductor industry, and in the jewelry and watch industry for the machining of non-ferrous materials.
Especially where smallest structures, tight tolerances, and high-quality surfaces are required, the new tools demonstrate their strengths.
A key success factor lies in the interplay of laser technology, specific process know-how, and precisely designed tool geometry. Parameters such as pulse duration, energy input, focus position, and machining strategy must be precisely coordinated to generate highly precise cutting edges and micro geometries. At the same time, the use of PKD as a cutting material creates ideal conditions for applications in demanding materials, as polycrystalline diamond impresses with extreme hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability.
In addition to technical performance capability, the new manufacturing technology also contributes to greater resource efficiency. Compared to conventional grinding processes, grinding wheels, grinding oils, filter systems, and elaborate preparation processes are eliminated. The employed ultrashort pulse femtosecond laser operates with extremely short pulses in the range of 10^-15 seconds and enables nearly heat-free material processing. This conserves resources, reduces maintenance effort, and lowers production overhead costs.
With the micro-PKD drill, ZECHA emphasizes its technological competence in precision and micro machining. More than 15 years of research and development work in the field of laser technology and process development form the basis for a tool solution that combines the highest precision, long tool life, and reliable performance. Thus, ZECHA
sets new standards for the economical machining of the most demanding micro applications and strengthens its position as an innovation partner for international future markets.
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