Thermal and cutting process simulation analysis of laser assisted milling of Inconel 718

Laser assisted milling (LAML) is a potential method for machining difficult-to-machine materials such as superalloys which uses a high power laser to focally heat a workpiece prior to material removal with a traditional cutting tool. A transient three-dimensional thermal model and cutting process model are developed using finite element analysis for LAML of Inconel 718. The paper aims to explore the thermal characteristics in LAML of Inconel 718 and the effects of laser power, laser moving speed and cutting speed on temperature and cutting force are investigated. In addition, a couple temperature fields of laser heating and cutting process which consider the heat generation associated with machining and laser heating is established and thus provide guidelines on parameter selection for future operations.