An investigation of laser-assisted machining of Al2O3 particle reinforced aluminum matrix composite

Al2O3 particles reinforced aluminum matrix composite (Al(2)O(3)p/Al) are becoming increasingly used for their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, their poor machinability leads to severe tool wear and to a bad machined surface. In this paper laser heat-assisted machining is adopted in machining Al(2)O(3)p/Al composite, good results being obtained. The result of the present experiment shows that in machining Al(2)O(3)p/Al composites the cutting force is reduced by 30-50%, the tool wear is reduced by 20-30% and the machined surface quality is improved in laser-assisted machining as compared with conventional cutting. Some analysis on the mechanism of laser heat-assisted machining of Al(2)O(3)p/Al composite is given in the paper also. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.