Precision and efficiency of laser assisted jet electrochemical machining

Laser assisted jet electrochemical machining (LAJECM) is a hybrid process, that combines a laser beam with an electrolyte jet thereby giving a non-contact tool electrode that removes metal by electrochemical dissolution. The laser beam effectively improves the precision of LAJECM as it is able to direct the dissolution to specifically targeted areas. This prevents the machining from unwanted areas due to stray current. This parallel application of a laser beam with the electrolyte jet enables an improvement of machining accuracy, also productivity. LAJECM has shown that machining with laser assistance can effectively facilitate material removal of 20, 25, 33, and 54% for Hasteloy, titanium alloy, stainless steel and alummium alloy, respectively. There is also a noticeable improvement in the shape accuracy and slight decrease in surface roughness of the holes and cavities produced due to more focused machining (the order of 20%). The measured reduction in taper is of the order of 38, 40, 41, 65% for aluminium alloy, stainless steel, Hasteloy and titanium alloy, respectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.