Conventional and Laser Assisted Machining of Composite A359/20SiCp

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have many industrial applications in different sectors, e.g.: automobile and aerospace. However, due to hard ceramic reinforcing components in MMCs, difficulties can arise when machining via conventional manufacturing processes. Excessive tool wear is especially problematic. Laser assisted machining (LAM) is one of the technologies that enable machining of hard-to-cut materials. In laser assisted cutting, the workpiece area is heated directly by a laser beam before the cutting edge. The work reported here concentrates on improving Al/SiC composite's machinability by laser assisted machining, when compared to conventional turning process. Influence of laser's beam during laser assisted turning on cutting force, tool wear and machined surfaces roughness was investigated. This research was carried out for cubic boron nitride (CBN) and sintered carbide inserts. The results obtained with the laser assisted machining were compared to those obtained in conventional turning.