Experimental investigation of machinability in laser-assisted machining of fused silica

Fused silica is difficult to machine through conventional machining at room temperature, mainly due to high brittleness, low fracture toughness, high strength, and poor plastic deformation. In this study, we demonstrated experimentally that we are able to machine fused silica with improved efficiency and precision with laser-assisted machining (LAM) by heating workpiece locally in front of the cutting tool utilized a pulse CO2 laser beam. Then,...