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Laser Machining of Metals: Fundamentals and Applications
Journal
Advanced Machining Science
Date Issued
2022-01-01
Author(s)
Marla, Deepak
Abstract
Laser beam machining (LBM) involves using a focused light beam to remove material through melting or vaporization. Recent developments in lasers, such as the emergence of fiber lasers and ultrafast lasers, have revolutionized the machine tool industry. Lasers are now routinely employed in the machine tool industry for cutting, drilling, milling, and micromachining applications. Lasers can machine a variety of materials regardless of their hardness and produce parts with complex geometries at very high speeds. Ultrafast lasers have proven to be reliable tools in precision micromachining. However, the LBM process is inherently complex and involves several different phenomena depending on the material and laser properties. Understanding these phenomena is critical to realizing the true potential of the LBM process. Therefore, this chapter presents both the fundamental aspects of the LBM process and its applications. At first, the concepts involved in laser beam generation and laser optics are presented. This is followed by a mathematical description of the laser beam parameters. Further, the prominent physical phenomena, viz., laser-material interaction, material removal mechanisms, and the plasma shielding effect in LBM, are described. Lastly, the chapter presents an overview of different LBM processes and their applications. These include cutting, drilling, micromachining, texturing, cleaning, and marking. The chapter ends with an outlook and future research directions in LBM.