Modelling and experimental investigation of laser assisted jet electrochemical machining

Laser Assisted Jet Electrochemical Machining is a hybrid process which combines a relatively low power laser (375mW) with an electrolyte jet to facilitate metal removal. The main purpose of the laser is to enhance the localisation effect of electrochemical dissolution from the workpiece, thus giving better precision and machining efficiency. The laser thermally activates the material surface where it impinges thereby increasing the electrochemical current density in that localised zone. A theoretical model is used to explain the effects of localisation of electrochemical dissolution process. Experimental analysis using aluminium alloy and stainless steel has proved that laser assistance can yield up to 54% higher volumetric rate and up to 38% better accuracy than using electrolytic jet alone.