Laser cutting of eggshells

Abstract

<p>Preparation of chicken embryo allantoic fluids for animal health requires opening the eggshell by cutting, drilling or punching methods. Laser cutting and drilling is used as an alternative to known processes. Both CO.sub.2 and Nd:YAG lasers are employed. A focused CO.sub.2 laser beam at a power of 200 watts in conjunction with an X-Y motion table produced 25 mm diameter "clean-cuts" in eggshells with a cutting time of 0.5 seconds per egg. The material removal mechanism was vaporization. When an axicon/lens combination is used with a CO.sub.2 laser, the cutting time was further reduced to 0.2 seconds per egg and the mechanism of material removal is changed from vaporization to decomposition of the eggshell into fine powders. Small holes, typical diameters of 0.5 mm to 1 mm are generated in the eggshell using the pulsed Nd:YAG laser.</p>