A Study on Work Hardening in the Laser-Assisted Machining of Si₃N₄ Ceramics under Different Material Removal Modes

Abstract

In order to understand the work hardening phenomenon and mechanism of laser-assisted machining (LAM) of Si3N4 ceramics, the work hardening degree of LAM Si3N4 under different material removal modes was studied. Two sets of single-factor experiments were performed in which the laser power and the cutting depth were changed respectively. The results show that work hardening is the result of the combination of heat and cutting deformation during cutting. The work hardening degree decreases with the increase of material softening degree. When the material is removed plastically, the work hardening degree is 110−115%.

Keywords

• laser assisted machining
• silicon nitride ceramics
• work hardening