Experimental Study and Finite Element Simulation of Cutting Tool Temperature in Laser Assisted Machining

The present paper has been dedicated to finite element simulation and experimental study of cutting tool temperature during laser-assisted machining. To achieve this objective, a finite element model of the processes has been developed for Inconel 718 super alloy and the results have been verified by experimental measurements of cutting forces and cutting tool temperature. In this regard, first of all, a finite element model of the laser-assisted turning process was developed and then an experimental setup was designed and manufactured. Finally, a series of experimental tests were arranged to achieve a proper range of process parameters and also to measure cutting forces and cutting tool temperatures during the machining process. Experimental results were then used to verify the results of the finite element model. Using the developed model, the effect of laser source power, cutting speed, and feed on cutting tool temperature were studied. According to the achieved results, using a laser heat source, in the range without microstructural effects, will lead to a 25% reduction in the average main component of cutting force and an 80% reduction in the average maximum temperature of the cutting tool in comparison to conventional turning.