The use of high strength materials, such as nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys, is becoming increasingly common in aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, and mining applications. However, these materials are traditionally considered to be difficult-to-machine. Conventional machining processes for these materials are notoriously affected by slow machining speeds and/or frequent tool changes due to short tool lives.
Laser-Assisted Machining (LAM) has begun to emerge as a viable industrial option for machining of difficult-to-machine materials. In LAM a laser provides intense localized heating to the workpiece ahead of the cutting region (see right). By lowering the material strength in the cutting area at a certain elevated temperature, LAM can achieve lower cutting force, slower tool wear progression rate, higher material removal rate and better surface quality.
Goals of LAM research:
- Higher material removal rates
- Improved surface quality
- Longer tool life
- Less cost