Laser Assisted Machining Of Ceramics

Using state of the art laser systems we have developed processes that allow us to machine precise features without cosmetic defects such as microcracks or heat affected zones.

Laser assisted machining of ceramics.

In lam a laser provides intense localized heating to the workpiece ahead of the cutting region see right. Laser assisted machining lam is the method of machining ceramics using a laser beam directed to the workpiece area located directly in front of the conventional cutting tool. Ceramics our engineers and staff have worked extensively with ceramic materials with amazing results. The present study focuses on the evaluation of the laser assisted machining lam of pressureless sintered mullite ceramics.

In lag the workpiece was locally heated by laser prior to material removal by grinding wheel. Laser assisted machining lam is a method capable of increasing the machinability of hard to cut materials by decreasing the values of the cutting forces and extending the tool life. Silicon nitride si3n4 partially stabilized zirconia zro2 and mullite 65 alumina and 35 sio2. Laser assisted machining uses a focused laser beam to heat local areas of the workpiece and remove softened material from the ductile region leaving high quality and crack free surfaces.

On line measurements of cutting force and workpiece temperature are performed and tool wear and surface integrity are examined. The laser beam heats and softens not melts the ceramic material at the surface just prior the cutting action. Easy machining of hard materials is a cnc lathe integrated with fiber lasers to increase the materi. Laser assisted machining lam has begun to emerge as a viable industrial option for machining of difficult to machine materials.

Therefore some new machining processes such ultrasonic grinding and laser assisted grinding lag have been developed in order to increase material removal rates prolong the tool service life and enhance the surface integrity of the workpiece. Due to mullite s low thermal diffusivity and tensile strength a new method for applying laser power is devised to eliminate cracking and fracture of the workpiece during laser heating. By lowering the material strength in the cutting area at a certain elevated temperature lam can achieve lower cutting force slower tool wear progression. Three types of structural ceramics have been used for lam.

Representative machining conditions are 0 1 0 2 mm rev in feed 0 5 1 mm in depth of cut and 1 2 m s in cutting speed. This video demonstrates laser assisted ceramic machining. Over the past decades the study of laser assisted machining of hbms has been attracting progressively more interest from researchers in academia and industry.