Proposal for small heat-affected zone, high aspect ratio processing for metal

In this paper, Deep Electrochemical Etching with Laser assistance (DEEL) is proposed as a new and precise machining technology for metal. DEEL has the potential to make small and precise parts, such as stents, without HAZ. To investigate DEEL, laser processing and electrochemical machining (ECM) were first carried out to find a suitable machining condition. Second, DEEL processing was carried out with the obtained machining conditions. The machining characteristics of DEEL were considered by measuring the machining depth and observing the machined surface. Finally, low HAZ and high aspect ratio complex machining with DEEL were experimentally demonstrated on a microscopic tube.