Laser milling

Laser milling is a new manufacturing process that has attracted much attention from engineers and researchers for the last decade. The process allows complex parts and tooling inserts to be fabricated directly from three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data in a wide range of advanced engineering materials such as ceramics, hardened steel, titanium and nickel alloys. The paper starts with a description of the physical phenomena underlying the process and the factors influencing its performance. It then outlines the machining techniques that can be utilized in laser milling. The paper concludes with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the process and a summary of its application areas.