Ablation threshold modelling and validation of metal Nanosecond laser processing

Currently, metal laser ablation thresholds are usually obtained by experiential formulas from experimental data. There are few mathematical formulas that is universally applicable to all metallic materials. This paper presents a simple and novel theory for calculating the ablation threshold based on heat transfer and optimizes the existing formulae for calculating the laser ablation diameter. The error range of the ablation threshold is experimentally verified about 1.38%–10.45% for three metals, copper, aluminum and zinc. The error range for the ablation diameter is 0.79%–10.10%. This study investigates the laws governing the interaction of nanosecond lasers with metallic materials during processing. This is a significant guide to the selection of process parameters and strategies for microstructure formation, functional surface preparation and coating technology. •A mathematical model of the ablation threshold was developed.•Refined formula for calculating the ablation diameter.•Nanosecond laser ablation thresholds for three metals, brass, aluminum and zinc, were investigated.