Analysis of a Laser Assisted Milling Process with Inclination Angles

LAM (Laser Assisted Machining) is an effective machining method that can achieve a machining process for materials, which are difficult to cut, and a significant reduction in machining costs. Recently many researches on micromachining of plates or cylinders in connection with LAM have been conducted. However, in laser assisted milling processes the heat sources of laser are irregularly varied according to shapes of workpieces. Also, there are few researches of laser assisted milling processes with inclination angles. In this study, a thermal analysis of the laser assisted milling process for inclination planes is performed as a basic research in milling researches. Regarding the workpiece with various inclination angles, a temperature profile analysis is performed using a moving heat source. In addition, the effects of preheating are verified through the thermal analysis and experiment performed in this study. By analyzing the obtained temperature profile, a proper laser power control method is proposed according to inclination angles. The results of this analysis can be used to estimate thermal deformations on workpieces and tools and to apply as a heat source analysis method in hirer assisted milling processes.