A study on the temperature characteristics in laser-assisted cutting of cemented carbide

Abstract

To investigate the temperature characteristics of Laser-Assisted Cutting (LAC) in relation to cemented carbide, a theoretical model for LAC temperature was established based on heat conduction theory. Finite element simulations were conducted to analyze the surface temperature distribution and internal temperature distribution of cemented carbide during the LAC process. And an empirical formula for the LAC temperature of cemented carbide was obtained through temperature testing, and the model was experimentally validated. In addition the influences of the cutting temperature on the material machinability were experimentally studied. The results showed that the factors affecting cutting temperature ranked in order of importance are laser power, laser traversal speed, laser spot diameter, distance between cutting edge and spot center, cutting depth, and cutting speed. The cutting temperature trends were consistent under different processing parameters. In comparison with traditional cutting, the LAC method reduced the radial thrust force (Fx), tangential force (Fy), and axial thrust force (Fz) by 20.00, 27.14, and 53.19% respectively. The surface roughness of the workpiece was reduced by 50%, resulting in a flat and smooth surface with improved machinability.