Machining Process 2

Report
LASER Beam Machining
(LBM)

PRESENTED BY:
‫حسن محمود حسن الدسوقي‬
Report supervisor:
‫عبدالخالق العدل‬.‫د‬

PRESENTED ON: 14-11-2023.

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LASER Beam Machining (LBM)
Laser is Light Stimulated emission of radiation. The unwanted
material from the workpiece is removed by Laser beam or Laser
Light. When the laser lights focus on the workpiece it melts and
evaporates the workpiece material.

Laser beam machining is a non-conventional machining method in

which the operation is performed by laser light. The laser light has
maximum temperature strikes on the workpiece, due to high temp
the workpiece melts. The process uses thermal energy to remove
material from a metallic surface.

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Theory:
The fundamental principle behind a laser beam machine is the emission
of a concentrated beam of coherent light through stimulated emission
of photons. The machine consists of a laser source, focusing optics,
control system, workpiece holder, and sometimes a gas supply system.
The laser source emits a high-intensity laser beam that is directed and
focused onto the workpiece to perform precise material removal or
alteration.

Laser Beam Machining Main Parts:

Power Supply:
A high voltage is required for Laser to work. The power is supplied
to the system for exiting the electron. When the power is supplied
the electron gets into an excited state which means ready to work.

Flash Lamps:
Flash lamps are used for providing white and coherent light for a
very short duration.

Capacitor:
A capacitor is used for storing and releasing the charge. Here it is
used during the flashing process.

Reflecting Mirror:
A reflecting Mirror is used to reflect the light directly toward the
workpiece. It is of two types Internal and external mirrors.

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Lenses:
Lenses are provided for vision purposes. It shows the image in a
bigger size so that it will be easy to operate on the given
workpiece.

Workpiece:
Workpiece is nothing but the object on which the operation is to
be carried out. If a body requires any laser operation then we need
the workpiece for the machine.

Laser Beam Machining Application

• The laser beam machining process is used for making
very small holes.
• Mass macro machining production.
• LBM is used in surgery.
• Selective heat treatment of materials.
• Complicated welding of non-conductive and refractory
materials.
• Micro-drilling operation.
• Photography in medical science.
• Spectroscopic Science.
• Laser beam machining is utilized for engraving or
marking designs, logos, serial numbers, barcodes, or
text on various materials.
• Laser cutting is widely used in industries such as
automotive, aerospace, electronics, and signage. It can
cut a wide range of materials with high precision,
including metals, plastics, wood, fabric, and composites.

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Advantages of Laser Beam Machining:
Laser Beam Machining offers a plethora of advantages, making it a
preferred choice in modern manufacturing:
Material Versatility: Laser Beam Machining can process any type of
material, including non-metallic ones, widening its applicability across
various industries.
Precision in Small Holes: This technique excels in machining
extremely small holes with exceptional accuracy, meeting stringent
requirements for precision engineering.
Low Tool Wear: Laser Beam Machining exhibits minimal tool wear,
contributing to cost-effectiveness and longer tool life.
Non-Mechanical Processing: The absence of mechanical force on
the workpiece ensures delicate materials like plastics and rubber can be
machined with ease, avoiding deformation or damage.
Versatility and Automation: Laser Machining is highly flexible and
easily automated, allowing for efficient and adaptable production
processes.
Minimal Heat-Affected Zone: The heat-affected zone, where
material properties may change due to heating, is remarkably small in
Laser Machining, reducing the risk of thermal distortion.
Superior Surface Finish: This method provides an excellent surface
finish, reducing the need for additional post-processing steps.
Welding of Heat Treated and Magnetic Materials: Laser
Machining enables the welding of heat-treated and magnetic materials
without compromising their properties, ensuring the integrity of the
final product.
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Precise Workpiece Location: Laser technology ensures precise
positioning of the machining process on the workpiece, leading to
accurate and consistent results.

Disadvantages of Laser Beam Machining:

Limited Hole Types: Laser Machining cannot produce blind holes
and is unsuitable for drilling excessively deep holes.
Hole Quality: The machined holes may not always be perfectly round
and straight, leading to potential dimensional inaccuracies.
High Capital and Maintenance Cost: Implementing and
maintaining Laser Machining systems can be costly, making it a
significant investment for businesses.
Safety Hazards: Working with lasers involves potential safety risks,
requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and protective measures.
Low Overall Efficiency: The overall efficiency of Laser Beam
Machining is relatively low, affecting productivity and cost-
effectiveness.
Limited to Thin Sheets: Laser Machining is better suited for thin
materials and may not be as effective for thicker workpieces.
Low Metal Removal Rate: The rate of material removal in Laser
Machining is often slower compared to some other machining
methods.
Short Flash Lamp Life: The flash lamps used in the process have a
limited lifespan, leading to increased maintenance and replacement
costs.