Thermal effects in laser assisted jet electrochemical machining

The purpose of the laser in laser assisted jet ECM (LAJECM) is to localise machining to specified areas so that precision and the productivity is improved. Temperature is a predominant determinant of this localisation effect and must be carefully monitored to avoid any heat affected zones or spark damage due to electrolyte boiling. This paper investigates the thermal effects in LAJECM on several alloys by temperature distribution modelling and experimental analysis. The laser influence on material micro removal has led to 25 mu m deeper cavities with a reflective surface of roughness 20 nm R-a, without any detectable heat affected zone. (C) 2011 CIRP.