Abstract: A method for providing a hole through a metal engine component having a base metal and thermal barrier coating layer forming a top surface of the component, the hole having a central axis extending at a hole angle of 20 degrees or less with respect to the top surface. The method includes laser trepanning through the thermal barrier coating layer without penetrating the base metal by moving a central axis of a pulse laser beam within a boundary of the hole, with the pulse laser beam having a first pulse energy level. The central axis of the pulse laser beam is then disposed within the boundary at the hole angle and shots of the pulse laser beam are applied to drill through the base metal and complete the hole, using a second pulse energy level different from the first pulse energy level.

Abstract: A method for drilling a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component in a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the component. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam to further drill through a base metal of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for providing a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to pre-drill the hole through a base metal of the component. A thermal barrier coating is then applied to the base metal, covering the pre-drilled hole in the base metal. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam through the thermal barrier coating a location to coincide with pre-drilled hole in the base metal in order to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for drilling a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component, in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam with a first setting to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam with a second setting through the initiated hole to further drill through a remainder of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for drilling a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component, in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam with a first setting to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam with a second setting through the initiated hole to further drill through a remainder of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for drilling a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component in a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the component. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam to further drill through a base metal of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for providing a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to pre-drill the hole through a base metal of the component. A thermal barrier coating is then applied to the base metal, covering the pre-drilled hole in the base metal. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam through the thermal barrier coating a location to coincide with pre-drilled hole in the base metal in order to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.

Abstract: A method for providing a shallow-angled hole through a metal component, such as a turbine combustor, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component in a trepanning concept. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam through the completed section of the hole to further drill through a base metal of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.