RESEARCH OF MECHANISM OF LASER ASSISTED HOT MACHINING FOR Al_2O_3 PARTICLE REINFORCED ALUMINUM MATRIX COMPOSITE

摘要

Poor machinability of Al_2O_3 particle reinforced aluminum matrix composite (Al_2O_3p/Al) leads to severe tool wear with conventional mechanical machining methods and makes it difficult to ensure fine surface quality and efficiency. In order to solve this problem, laser-assisted hot machining method (LAHM) is adopted in this contribution to study the cutting of Al_2O_3p/Al. Good machining results are achieved by optimizing cutting and laser parameters, in which the cutting forces especially radial and axial forces are reduced by nearly 50%, tool wear is reduced by 30% and fine surface is attained. Detailed analysis and study are presented and a cutting process physical model is set up in this contribution which acts as theory fundamental of the research.