Laser-assisted high-speed finish turning of superalloy Inconel 718 under dry conditions

Inconel 718 (IN718) is used in aerospace applications due to its superior mechanical properties. This study investigates the high-speed machinability of this material under laser-assisted machining (LAM) and dry conditions. Finish turning tests were performed for cutting speeds up 500 m/min and feeds up to 0.5 mm/rev, using focused Nd:YAG laser beam and ceramic tool (SiAlON). At optimum machining conditions, nearly eight-fold increase in material removal rate and significant improvement in the tool life and surface finish were achieved, compared to conventional machining. The mechanisms of tool failure were identified. SEM analysis and microstructure examination of machined surfaces revealed the improvement in the surface integrity under LAM conditions. (C) 2010 CIRP.