With its new micro PCD drill, ZECHA is expanding its portfolio of high-precision micro tools and opening up new possibilities for demanding applications in precision manufacturing. The new tool technology covers diameters from 0.05 to 0.5 mm and is aimed at industries in which maximum dimensional accuracy, surface quality and process reliability are decisive.

The production of the micro PCD drills is based on state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technology. It allows ultra-hard materials such as PCD and CBN to be machined with maximum accuracy and almost no thermal impact. This makes tool geometries possible that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional grinding processes. In the micro range in particular, this opens up new perspectives, as the tool geometry is no longer limited by the shape of the grinding wheel.

While micro-machining has so far been dominated by solid carbide tools, ZECHA’s new laser technology enables the economical machining of PCD and CBN materials in the micro range for the first time. The result is micro PCD drills with diameters down to 50 µm, whose laser-generated cutting contours enable reduced cutting forces, optimised chip evacuation and significantly longer tool life in the drilling process. For users, this means greater process reliability, fewer tool changes and consistent machining quality, even in particularly delicate applications.

The new micro PCD drills are used in medical technology, precision mechanics and the semiconductor industry as well as in the jewellery and watchmaking industries for machining non-ferrous materials. Their strengths come into play wherever the finest structures, tight tolerances and high-quality surfaces are required.

A key success factor lies in the interplay of laser technology, specific process know-how and precisely designed tool geometry. Parameters such as pulse duration, energy input, focus position and machining strategy must be precisely coordinated in order to produce high-precision cutting edges and micro-geometries. At the same time, PCD as a cutting material offers ideal conditions for applications in demanding materials, as polycrystalline diamond impresses with its extreme hardness, wear resistance and thermal stability.

In addition to its technical performance, the new manufacturing technology also contributes to greater resource efficiency. Compared to conventional grinding processes, there is no need for grinding wheels, grinding oil, filter systems or complex reprocessing. The ultra-short-pulse femtosecond laser works with extremely short pulses in the range of 10⁻¹⁵ seconds and enables almost heat-free material processing. This conserves resources, reduces maintenance and lowers ancillary production costs.

With the micro PCD drill, ZECHA underlines its technological expertise in precision and micro-machining. More than 15 years of research and development in laser technology and process development form the basis for a tool solution that combines maximum precision, long tool life and reliable performance. ZECHA is thus setting new standards for the economical machining of the most demanding micro applications and strengthening its position as an innovation partner for international future markets.