Laser-Assisted Machining of Difficult to Cut Materials

Abstract

The chapter presents the results of experimental investigation of the machinability of difficult to cut materials, e.g. silicon carbide particulate, aluminium metal matrix composite, cemented carbides layers, technical ceramics (Si 3 N 4). The work focuses on the study of machinability during conventional and laser-assisted turning. Nowadays, the difficult to cut materials have a great application in different fields of industry, e.g. automobile or aerospace. Metal matrix composites are known as the difficult to machine materials, because of the hardness and abrasive nature element-in this case-SiC. The work reported concentrates on the machinability improvement of difficult to cut materials by laser-assisted machining (LAM) when compared with conventional cutting process. Influence of laser beam during laser-assisted turning on temperature of the heating area, tool wear, and machined surfaces' roughness was investigated. This research was carried out for polycrystalline diamond wedges (PCD), ceramics and sintered carbide wedges with coatings and uncoated ones. The results obtained with the laser assisted machining were compared with results obtained in conventional turning.