Laser Assisted Machining of Ti10V2Fe3Al and Ti6Cr5Mo5V4Al β Titanium Alloys

In recent times, the market for the applications of titanium alloys, particularly β alloys, is growing rapidly, calling for higher productivity. However, it is difficult to machine titanium alloys. A number of research activities have been carried out in this area to improve the productivity of titanium machining. Laser assisted machining is one technique which has been proposed to enhance the machinability of various difficult-to-cut materials including titanium alloys. In this study, two β titanium alloys, viz. Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al and Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al, were machined using laser assistance and the results were compared with unassisted machining conditions. Their response to laser assisted machining in terms of differences in the cutting forces, cutting temperature and chip formation are reported. It was found that the Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al workpiece was much more difficult to machine even with laser assistance.