Unidirectional magnetic field assisted Laser Induced Plasma Micro-Machining

Laser Induced Plasma Micro-Machining (LIPMM) has demonstrated superior micro-machining capabilities as compared to conventional pulsed laser micro-machining. We report a process modification in LIPMM, by which an external unidirectional magnetic field is used to alter the plasma characteristics, which in turn yields a higher material removal rate on 304L steel workpiece, as compared to regular LIPMM. This study indicates that the plasma energy can increase by about 70% by applying a field of 5400 Gauss in either the longitudinal or transverse direction. Correspondingly, the depth of micro-features obtained in the presence of such a field is approximately 50% greater.