The response of the high strength Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al beta titanium alloy to laser assisted cutting

Metal cutting is a process that uses tools to create new surfaces by imparting intense shear stresses and high strain rates on the work material. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the work material directly influence its machinability, and high strength materials such as titanium are notoriously difficult to cut. Laser assisted machining (LAM) is a promising solution to reduce the cutting pressures when machining difficult-to-cut materials. The method involves using a laser beam to locally heat and reduce the flow stress of the material ahead of an advancing cutting tool, making the metal shearing process easier. To date there is limited, if any, published literature on using the technology to improve the machinability of metastable β-titanium alloys. It remains unclear whether these materials will respond to laser assisted machining since many are specifically designed to exhibit high temperature strength. This paper compares the conventional and laser assisted machining method for the high strength Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al β-titanium alloy over a wide range of cutting parameters. The effect of the laser beam on the cutting force, cutting temperature and chip formation is discussed. The effectiveness of the LAM process in reducing the cutting pressure of Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy is also compared against other alloys including commercial-purity titanium and Ti–6Al–4V.