Tatsuaki Furumoto/Takashi Ueda/Teruyuki Osaka/Abdullah Yassin/Akira Hosokawa/Ryutaro Tanaka
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 24, no. 1, pp.127-130, 2010

Abstract : This study deals with the laser beam assisted milling to improve the machinability of a consolidated structure formed by layered manufacturing processes. The laser beam used is a continuous CO2 laser with a maximum output power of 100 W. The metal powder for layered manufacturing is a ferrous-based mixture. To investigate the influence of laser conditions on the machinability, specific cutting force, tool wear and tool temperature of the flank face are measured. The results showed that the specific cutting force of the consolidated structure was decreased by the effect of energy input on the structure surface. The progress of wear on the flank face assisted by the laser beam was 20% slower due to the softening of the consolidated structure and the melting of the powder which remained on the structure surface. The dimensional accuracy and surface finishing of the consolidated structure were influenced by the rise of the tool temperature on the flank face.

Keyword : Carbon dioxide laser beam; Cutting temperature; End milling; Ferrous based metal powder; Rapid prototyping; Specific cutting force; Tool wear; Two-color pyrometer