Machining of Fused Silica Using Pulsed Laser Heating Assistance

Fused silica is difficult to machine through conventional machining, mainly due to its high brittleness and strength, low fracture toughness and poor plastic deformation. This study was attempted to explore the machinability of fused silica with laser-assisted machining by heating workpiece through a pulse CO₂ laser beam. During the LAM of fused silica, the bonding and wavelike texture on the machined surface indicated the behavior change of material deformation by the local heating in front of the cutting tool. The semi-continuous chips were obtained as an evidence of material removal mechanism which was a hybrid of quasi plastic deformation and brittle fracture. Moreover, the machinability of fused silica was evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that considerable improvement in the machinability of fused silica was achieved such as better surface roughness, smaller cutting force as well as lower tool wear.