Hybrid Micromachining and Microfabrication Technologies

8Hybrid Laser-Assisted Jet Electrochemical Micromachining Process

Sivakumar M.*, J. Jerald, Shriram S., Jayanth S. and N. S. Balaji

Department of Production Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India

Abstract

Laser-assisted jet electrochemical micromachining (LAJECM) is a process in which laser beam is combined with a jet of electrolyte to create a hybrid cutting process. This technique is also known as hybrid laser-assisted jet electrochemical micromachining. The jet electrolyte and laser beam produce a noncontact tool electrode that dissolves metal by electrochemical reactions. The laser beam can direct the dissolution to particularly focused areas, which results in an efficient improvement in the accuracy of the process. The material removal mechanism and process energy distribution mechanism of hybrid laser-assisted jet electrochemical micromachining is discussed in this chapter. The material removal depends on electrochemical dissolution and with assisted laser beam offers an increase in both the precision and productivity of the machining process. The workpiece surface is thermally activated by the source of the laser. Hence, the geometry of the holes and cavities is improved after the LAJECM process. The material removal rate and reduction in tapper are enhanced with the assistance of the laser in LAJECM for Hastelloy, Aluminium alloy, Titanium, and Stainless steel.

Keywords: Hybrid laser-assisted jet electrochemical micromachining, electrochemical ...