Laser drilling nozzle

Apparatus for drilling holes in workpieces by means of radiant energy and comprising:

• a nozzle having a passageway extending through the interior thereof for enabling passage of radiant energy through the nozzle and onto a workpiece;
• a metal aperture plate having an aperture therein for defining the size of the hole to be formed in the workpiece by the radiant energy;
• a recess formed in the workpiece end of the nozzle and surrounding the radiant energy passageway for slideably receiving the aperture plate and aligning the aperture with the radiant energy axis of the nozzle, the depth of the recess being less than the thickness of the aperture plate;
• an exhaust passageway located in the nozzle and communicating with the radiant energy passageway near the workpiece end thereof for enabling the air to be continuously evacuated from the workpiece end of the nozzle interior, such evacuation process serving as the sole retentive force for holding the aperture plate in place in the recess and to remove the drilling debris from the workpiece via the aperture;
• and a positioning mechanism coacting with the nozzle for urging the exposed outer surface of the aperture plate against the workpiece;
• whereby the aperture plate in addition to defining the size of the hole to be formed in the workpiece also serves to protect the workpiece material immediately surrounding the hole;
• and whereby discontinuation of the evacuation process enables quick removal of the aperture plate for cleaning or replacement purposes.