Microstructure characterisation of Inconel 718 after laser assisted turning

Abstract

The paper presents the discussion about the possibility of optimising heating and cutting parameters for turning under laser assisted machining (LAM) conditions. The samples of Inconel 718 after annealing and ageing were used. The laser heating experiments were carried out on the stand equipped with the CO2 molecular laser. Characterisation of samples was performed by an optical microscope, hardness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to ensure the exact depth of heat affect zone range and to optimised further cutting parameters. Different absorbing layers for laser beam impact improvement were tested. Turning trials were performed with constant cutting speed vc = 28 m/min and feed f = 0,2 mm/rev. The influence of depth of cut ap on microstructure and its properties were investigated. It was proven that for sequential LAM dendritic structure appears in the laser affected zone of the Ni-based alloy. Such microstructures cause better machinability of Inconel 718 due to surface softening.