Analysis of Laser Assisted Milling (LAM) of Inconel 718 with Ceramic Tools

Laser Assisted Milling (LAM) is a hybrid machining technology which combines conventional milling with a localized laser beam. The laser spot heats the uncut workpiece material in front of the cutting edge. The aim of this technology is to improve the machinability of difficult to cut alloys, like Inconel 718. Hence, the material strength is reduced by high temperatures in the hot cutting process. Indeed, Inconel 718 is widely used in aerospace industry due to its excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. These properties result in poor machinability and high tool wear. In this paper experiments of LAM and conventional milling of Inconel 718 were performed by using ceramic inserts. Methods from the Design of Experiment (DoE) were adopted in order to investigate the influence of laser and milling parameters in the hybrid process. The response variables were measured as tool wear, tool deflection, active machining force Fa and passive force Fp. The results showed that machining forces, tool deflection and also tool wear could be reduced by laser heating, especially using enhanced cutting data.