Basic Research On Jet-electrochemical Machining Assisted Laser Beam Machining(JECM-LBM)

Laser beam machining(LBM) can be used to cut,melt or change the structure of materials by the heat of laser beam. Without using the machining tools,having the high-speed machining and small distortion, LBM has been used widely in drilling,cutting,welding and heat treatment. However, the main drawbacks that hinder the use of LBM in a wide field are recast layer,heat affected zone(HAZ) and the micro-cracking which are caused in the LBM process. Electro-Stream machining (ESM) is mainly used to achieve a desired workpiece surface by anodic dissolution principle with a high-speed electrolyte-stream under the very high electric potential gradient. ESM has the ability to produce high quality of deep drilling without recast layer, so it is utilized in the industry of Aeronautics and Astronautics that is strict in safety.Jet-electrochemical machining(JECM)assisted laser beam machining(JECM-LBM) is a novel hybrid process that combines the LBM with the JECM. This hybrid process utilizes not only the high efficiency of LBM, but also the dissolution of JECM which can be used to eliminate the recast layer,heat affected zone(HAZ) and the micro-cracking during the processing, aiming to settle the problems in LBM. The main research contents are as follows:1) The theory of JECM-LBM is introduced. Also the lost energy of laser is analyzed when the laser beam passed through the electrolyte, an experimental equipment of JECM-LBM is designed and made.2) It is investigated that some experiments for engineering application using stainless steel which is used widely in engineering. The effect of different laser energy, electrolyte voltage and different machine time on recast layer is researched. Also comparing the surface quality of the workpieces machined in different machining environments; solving the recast layer caused by LBM and settling the problems of HAZ and debris during LBM.JECM-LBM not only is a new idea in eliminating recast layer,heat affected zone(HAZ) and the micro-cracking but also will come true in accordance with foregoing theoretical analysis and experimental investigation. And it might expand the use of LBM.