Comparative investigation of laser assisted hybrid microgrinding methods

Abstract

• LAMG and AILAMG methods were compared with CMG. • Grinding force, roughness, MRR, specific grinding energy and surface morphology were analyzed. • LAMG and AILAMG’s surface microstructure were changed due to thermal effect. Hybrid micro-grinding is an emerging area for high-quality microstructure fabrication and performance improvement. This paper describes the novel approach of hybrid microgrinding methods, i.e., laser-assisted micro-grinding (LAMG) and air induced laser assisted micro-grinding (AILAMG). Laser assistance before grinding weakens the material bond in LAMG. Further, during the AILAMG process, air assistance helps to create a loose oxide layer and propagate cracks on the surface. The experimental results show specific grinding energy reduced by 78% and 58% in AILAMG and LAMG, respectively, compared to conventional micro-grinding (CMG). Similarly, forces were reduced by 58% and 31%, respectively. The roughness has a minor increase in both methods compared to the CMG.