Challenges in laser-assisted milling of titanium alloys

Abstract Several detailed studies have comprehensively investigated the benefits and limitations of laser-assisted machining (LAM) of titanium alloys. These studies have highlighted the positive impact of the application of laser preheating on reducing cutting forces and improving productivity but have also identified the detrimental effect of LAM on tool life. This paper seeks to evaluate a series of the most common cutting tools with different coating types used in the machining of titanium alloys to identify whether coating type has a dramatic effect on the dominant tool wear mechanisms active during the process. The findings provide a clear illustration that the challenges facing the application of LAM are associated with the development of new types of cutting tools which are not subjected to the diffusion-controlled wear processes that dominate the performance of current cutting tools.