Method of forming a shaped hole
A method of manufacturing a through hole in a component between a first surface and a second surface, the through hole including a cavity formed in the first surface and a communicating passage between the second surface and the cavity including the steps of: a) laser percussion drilling a plurality of blind holes in the first surface to form the cavity and b) drilling a communicating passage between the cavity and the second surface.
1. A method of forming a through hole in a component between a first surface and a second surface thereof, the through hole including a cavity formed in the first surface and a communicating passage between the cavity and the second surface, comprising:
laser percussion drilling a plurality of blind holes in the first surface to form the cavity,
then forming the communicating passage between the cavity and the second surface.
2. A method of forming a through hole as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of blind holes intersect.
3. A method of forming a through hole as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of blind holes are coplanar.
4. A method of forming a through hole as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communicating passage is formed by laser drilling.
5. A method of forming a through hole as claimed in claim 1 wherein a common laser drilling system is used to form both the cavity and the communicating passage.
6. A method of forming a through hole as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cavity and communicating passage are drilled from a common direction.
7. A method of forming a through hole in a component of a gas turbine engine according to claim 1 .