Study on machining characteristics of SiC–Al2O3 reinforced aluminum hybrid nanocomposite in conventional and laser-assisted turning

In the present paper, the laser-assisted machining (LAM) of aluminum nanocomposite reinforced with SiC–Al2O3 nanoparticles was carried out using turning process. The laser power, depth of cut and cutting speed were considered as control factors. The optimization of factors was performed using Taguchi method by seeking the smallest surface roughness and cutting force. The results were compared with conventional machining (CM) process. According to the results, depth of cut had maximum influence on the cutting force in the LAM and CM processes. However, for surface roughness, the cutting speed and feed exhibited the major effect in LAM and CM processes, respectively. Moreover, the LAM had a reduction of 26% in the cutting force in comparison with CM process at optimal conditions. The lower cutting force resulted in a reduction of 51% in the surface roughness during LAM in comparison with CM process.