Laser Assisted Jet Electrochemical Machining of Hard to Cut Alloys

Laser Assisted Jet Electrochemical Machining (LAJECM) is a hybrid process which combines electrolyte jet and low power laser beam (375mW) to facilitate material removal. The main purpose of the laser is to enhance dissolution from the workpiece in the specific area giving faster dissolution in axial rather in lateral direction and in result higher dimension precision. Experimental analysis using stainless steel, titanium alloy and high carbon alloy has proved that laser assistance can yield up to 33% higher volumetric rate and up to 65% better dimensional accuracy. It has been also proved that laser enhances current efficiency during the machining process.