Pulsed Nd:YAG laser machining of nitinol: An experimental investigation

Abstract

Nickel–Titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy, commonly called nitinol alloys, finds its primary application in the production of biomedical implants, mainly because of itsrare properties such asshape memory, superelasticity and superior biocompatibility. Laser cutting is anon-traditional machining process for the production ofparts with close tolerances andcomplex geometry. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) of nitinol is associated with more heat-affected zone (HAZ) and recast layer thickness. This article aims to study nitinol’s machining characteristics by alaser source with good beam quality to have a less HAZ, recast layer and striations. Experiments were designed and carried out using central composite designs (CCD) by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Analysis based on the different parameters chosen was conducted to determine the parameters; effects, including laser power, frequency and cutting speed concerning the surface roughness. From the results, it is observed that the presence of HAZ is measured up to1. 48 mm from the machined surface. The topography analysis reveals that the striation is identified at high speeds, with less pulse overlapping by columnar micro channels, which can be reduced at high pulse frequency.