Laser Micromachining of Zirconia (Y-TZP) Ceramics in the Picosecond Regime and the Impact on Material Strength

(accessed July 10, 2009).The capabilities of a high average power picosecond laser are assessed for micromachining yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP) in its hard state. Laser machining of this material presents an attractive alternative to conventional machining techniques when precision customized parts are required due to the difficulty in machining Y‐TZP in its hard state. Compared with previous nanosecond work the picosecond laser enables similar micromachining to be carried out at the same rate but with a superior surface finish and with no evidence of surface cracking. Strength measurements have been carried out using a four‐point bend test rig and confirm that the improvement in surface quality translates to higher strength in machined components.