Laser assisted milling device: A review

Laser-Assisted milling is a type of thermally-assisted machining process in which a workpiece is locally softened by a laser heat source before machining. This method is effective solution for machining materials such as Inconel series alloys, titanium alloy, and ceramics, which are more difficult to machine compared with conventional materials. It is also a green machining process, because it saves energy by reducing the cutting force. Laser-Assisted milling has only been used in limited fields including single-direction machining of flat surfaces. When the laser-assisted milling has a complex tool-path, it is difficult to control the heat source and cutting tool simultaneously. To apply the process in industrial field studies of workpieces having various shapes are needed. This paper provides a review of current laser-assisted milling devices, and then develops a three-dimensional laser-assisted milling device for complex tool-path machining. A high-power diode laser with additional axes was retrofit to the spindle of a five-axis machining center. The device could be used in industrial fields whose machined products have complicated shapes.