A study on the process efficiency of laser-assisted machining investigating energy consumption

Abstract

Laser-assisted machining (LAM) has emerged as an effective process to facilitate the machining of several difficult-to-cut materials, including ceramics, titanium alloys, and nickel alloys. During LAM, the material is preheated by a laser beam, which leads to thermal softening. The softened material is removed by the cutting tool. Methods of improving LAM, by reducing cutting force, increasing tool life, and improving surface roughness, have been studied. While LAM effectiveness has been proven, there are few studies about LAM efficiency. In this study, the energy consumption of LAM laser power and depth of cut was analyzed for Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In addition, LAM process efficiency compared with conventional machining (CM) was experimentally analyzed, and optimized conditions were obtained. Under optimal conditions, LAM machining efficiency and process efficiency were improved by 230% and 104%, respectively, compared with CM.