Integrated Process of Laser Assisted Machining and Laser Surface Heat Treatment

Abstract

A process is proposed for integrating the laserassisted machining (LAM) and laser surface heat treatment (LSHT) in a single operation. Experimental and numerical investigations were carried out. LSHT tests were performed to investigate the effect of the process parameters on the microstructure evolution and hardenability. A methodology and an empirical model for prediction of hardened depth were proposed. A twodimensional finite element (2DFE) model was developed to predict the phase transformation during the LAM and LSHT processes. The optimization of the LAM process was also investigated using the developed finite element model.