Laser-assisted machining of Inconel 718 with carbide and ceramic inserts

The use of high strength materials, like titanium alloys and tool steels, is becoming increasingly common in industry. However, these materials are difficult to machine because they maintain their mechanical properties even at high temperatures. Hence, conventional machining (CM) of these materials is slow and inefficient because only slow cutting speeds can be used. In order to increase productivity certain types of ‘assistance’ can be used to facilitate the cut. It has already been shown that LAM makes it possible to machine high strength metals like bearing steel [1], Ti6Al4V [2, 3], boron [4], metal matrix composites [5] and ceramics [6-7]. For these materials, it improves workability by decreasing the cutting forces and by increasing the tool life. This process is currently the only process able to machine very hard materials.