FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTS OF PRODUCING HIGH TEMPERATURE/STRENGTH SUPERALLOYED SOLID PARTS THROUGH DIODE LASER MACHINING OF METAL/POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIAL

摘要

This paper reports on the laser machining of high temperature/strength superalloyed NiCr solid parts by the ablation of a low temperature polymer binding material using a 60W diode laser with coaxal gas jet. Through initial compacting and infiltration of nickel alloy powders with a low temperature polymer binding material it is possible to laser machine high surface quality grooves. A thermoset polymer rather than a thermoplast polymer is required for the matrix material. The machining mechanism has been found to be one of absorption of the laser beam by the nickel alloy powders and heat conduction transfer to the polymer causing instant vaporisation of the polymer which breaks the bonds between metal powders and with the help of an inert gas jet, the metal powders are ejected.