The role of pulse repetition rate on picosecond pulsed laser processing of Zn and Zn-coated steel

•MRR is defined by pulse energy and number of pulses than average power.•MRR increases for heat accumulation and ablated depth decreases for particle shielding.•Heat accumulation is higher in bulk zinc than in Zn-coated sample.•Steel substrate acts as a heat sink inhibiting a higher degree of heat accumulation.