Carbide tool wear mechanisms in laser-assisted machining of metal matrix composites

Laser-assisted machining (LAM) is an emerging manufacturing process for improving the productivity when machining hard and high-strength materials. Recently, it has been interesting using the process to machine metal matrix composites (MMCs), and published reports indicate that machinability is improved. But there is still ambiguity about whether the new process is beneficial for tool life. The specific wear mechanisms for carbide tools in LAM remain unknown. This work clearly evaluates the tool life and wear mechanism for uncoated and coated tungsten carbide tools in LAM of Al/SiCp/45 % composites at different cutting conditions. It was concluded that abrasive wear was the most predominant wear mechanisms in LAM, controlling the deterioration and final failure of the carbide tools. The adhesion wear and diffusion wear were accelerated to some extent with an increase in the temperature. However, all of the three cutting tools in LAM have a longer tool life over conventional machining at given conditions. Based on the results from tool wear process in LAM, a physical model of tool wear in LAM has been developed. The paper aims at providing an insight into the tool wear characteristics and showing the great potential in the field of LAM of MMCs.