20110139752 | Flow Tester for Laser Drilled Holes - A flow tester may use a low impedance flow meter to test a hole at a predetermined Reynolds number. The flow tester may be mounted to a robot so that testing may be fully automated. For example, the flow tester may be incorporated into a laser drilling workcell and used to test flow characteristics of a test coupon or workpiece to calibrate or verify the laser settings. Another example may be used for testing flow characteristics of a finished workpiece. The flow tester may have a testing tip that is compliant to form a seal against a workpiece, and the testing tip may be able to seal against angled, curved, or other surfaces. The flow tester may be capable of testing individual holes or groups of holes and determining an effective cross sectional area for the hole at the predetermined Reynolds number. | 06-16-2011 |