Laser-drilled filters and sieves for reliable filtration processes

Laser drilling is our core service in the manufacture of filters and sieves. However, if your application requires more than a perforated component, we integrate additional steps around the filter or sieve into a coordinated process chain: from process development and laser-compatible design to mechanical machining, sheet metal processing and assembly.

On request, we therefore not only manufacture the laser-drilled component, but also take on coordinated machining, inspection and assembly steps through to the ready-to-install assembly. This reduces interfaces and coordination effort and creates end-to-end responsibility for process and quality.

To industrialise our own production, we develop suitable fixtures and automated manufacturing solutions where required.

In industrial filtration processes, opening size, hole pattern and open area determine how well a component separates, how evenly the flow passes through it and how long it lasts. As requirements for precision, hole density or geometry become more demanding, standard solutions and conventional processes often reach their limits.

If separation efficiency fluctuates (or is unclear), defined and reproducible opening geometries help. High pressure losses or uneven flow can be eliminated with an application-specific hole pattern and a suitable open area. Fine openings with a high number of holes require precise, digitally programmable machining – demanding media and short service lives call for a design suited to the material and geometry.

Whether it is a new development or a change of supplier: we support you from the feasibility assessment and sample parts through to scaling up to series production.

Laser drilling is a non-contact manufacturing process: the laser beam creates the openings without any mechanical tool contact. This means that hole patterns can be adapted flexibly and even large quantities can be produced with consistent quality.

Opening size, pitch and geometry are matched to the filtration task. Which machining strategy is used depends on the material, material thickness, opening size, required geometry and quality requirements – we carry out this assessment together with you before the first sample part is produced.

The precision laser drilling of filters is part of our services in laser processing.

For filters and sieves, we use different laser processes depending on the requirements. Single-pulse drilling is cost-effective for large numbers of holes in thinner components. Percussion drilling produces smaller diameters even in thicker materials and at higher aspect ratios. Trepanning drilling is suitable for larger openings, openings with particularly accurate shapes or deliberately tapered openings.

For particularly high precision requirements, we use micro drilling with ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers – for fine microstructures with a small heat-affected zone. Slots, special shapes or a smaller number of free-form openings are produced by precision laser cutting. We decide which process is suitable after a technical assessment of the material, material thickness, opening size and quality requirements.

Find out more about processes, materials and hole geometries in our laser drilling service description

With filter components, it is not just the hole diameter and number of holes that count. Exit diameter, taper, roundness as well as the position and pitch of the openings can also be decisive for the function. We define the appropriate inspection strategy for each project and document the results. If required, it can also cover other quality-relevant characteristics of the machined or assembled module in addition to the laser-drilled filter structure.

• Optical measurement
• Confocal measurement
• Cross-sections and metallography
• Coordinate measuring technology

You can find out more about our inspection methods and our understanding of quality under Quality, Quality assurance and Metallography.

Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015.