Abstract: A two step process for laser drilling a hole in an airfoil and subsequently performing an EDM step to form the diffuser shaped part of the hole. Alternatively, the process may be performed by laser drilling after EDM formation of the diffuser shape. The laser drilling apparatus and the EDM apparatus each have their own computer that uses a coordinate position data base that is in common for both computers.

Abstract: Air cooling of airfoils in a gas-turbine engine is effected through holes which terminate with a diffuser formation at the airfoil surface. The invention is directed to a two-step procedure whereby a laser beam drills the holes very quickly and cost-effectively and whereby an EDM step is relied upon only to form the diffuser shape. The EDM part of the procedure thus occupies but a fraction of the time previously required, and substantial overall economy is realized by integrating these two steps, which are preferably performed in the order stated but which, if desired, may alternatively be performed by laser driling after EDM formation of the diffuser shape.