Abstract
Laser-assisted milling (LAM) emerged as a prospective technique for the improvement of the machinability and the reduction of the production cost of difficult-to-machine materials. This paper deals with the LAM of SiC-based ceramic composites materials (CMCs). The continuous laser beam is used as a preheating source at the surface of CMCs. The influences of laser conditions, such as a laser power and a distance between the laser irradiation area and the cutting point on the specific cutting force and the tool wear, are experimentally investigated. Additionally, the surface temperature at the CMCs is evaluated with a two-color pyrometer for the optimization of laser conditions. The results showed that the surface temperature at the CMCs increased with increasing of laser energy and its value was quite high compared with the block material of SiC. The specific cutting force of the CMCs decreased by the effect of energy input on the CMCs. The dimensional accuracy and surface finishing of the consolidated structure were influenced by the rise of the tool temperature on the flank face.
