FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 27, 2006
San Diego, CA - July 19, 2006 - The Commercial Laser Group of General Atomics has produced 30µm holes in diesel fuel injectors using their Everest™ SuperPulse® laser system. Previous hole sizes obtained were 100µm, but with new drilling techniques and higher quality beams, 30µm holes are now produced routinely in 1mm thick steel plates and 50µm in 2mm thick steel.
According to Mike Armas, Director of the Commercial Laser Group, "The diesel engine manufacturers are required to reduce emissions by 2010 to the new standards as outlined in the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005. The smaller injector nozzle holes will allow engine manufacturers to meet these standards." The diode-pumped, solid-state laser systems available from General Atomics have short pulse capabilities that enable new machining techniques not available through other vendors or alternate laser technology.
For more information, please visit www.galasers.com or contact Steve Benda, Business Development Manager, Commercial Laser Group, at (858) 457-8758 or Doug Fouquet, General Atomics Public Relations, at (858) 455-2173.
About General Atomics
General Atomics, founded in 1955 with corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA, specializes in diversified research, development, and manufacturing in defense, energy and other advanced technology arenas. General Atomics' Photonics and Electro-Optics Systems sector is focused on the development of advanced laser, wireless communication and sensor products.