Temperature field distribution and cutting depth during laser-assisted machining of hot-sintered Al2O3 ceramics

A quasi-steady heat conduction model for laser-assisted machining hot-sintered Al2O3 ceramics was established. Based on finite difference method (FDM), temperature field distribution of the workpiece was calculated by means of MATLAB. Considering the softened characteristic of material after being heated, cutting depths under different laser parameters (laser power, beam moving speed and spot radius) were obtained. The simulation results indicate that the isotherms are ovoid on the surface, parabolic in cross-section and symmetrical in longitudinal section. The corresponding softened depth to isotherm of 1000 K is concerned as the proper cutting depth. The calculated cutting depths are in good agreement with the experimental ones under different parameters. The results show that the cutting depth and material removal rate can be increased by increasing the laser power, decreasing the beam spot radius and reducing the moving speed of laser beam.