Laser Machining

Laser Machining: Theory and Practice addresses state-of-the-art laser machining in a way useful for research- ers, academicians and practitioners, particularly manufacturing engineers, who are considering lasers as a solution to the machining requirements of their factories and plants. This book provides detailed information on the theory behind laser machining, as well as its requirements, uses and applications. In order to place laser machining in its correct context, the author begins with an overview of conventional material removal processes and go on to describe in detail the physical mechanisms involved in lasers, the different types of lasers involved in laser machining, and laser machining systems, which include optics, positioning systems, manipulators, etc. The theoretical treatment of the laser includes a section on the basics of heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and analyses of one, two and three-dimensional laser machining processes. The book closes with a description of state-of-the-art laser machining applications in research and industrial practice.

Due to their flexible and efficient capabilities, lasers are often used over more traditional machining technologies, such as mechanical drilling and chemical etching, in manufacturing a wide variety of products, from medical implants, gyroscopes, and drug delivery catheters to aircraft engines, printed circuit boards, and fuel cells. Fundamentals of Laser Micromachining explains how laser technology is applied to precision micromachining. The book combines background on physics, lasers, optics, and hardware with analysis of markets, materials, and applications. It gives sufficient theoretical background for readers to understand basic concepts while including a further reading appendix for those interested in more detailed theoretical discussions. After reviewing laser history and technology, the author compares available laser sources, including CO2, excimer, Nd:YAG, fiber, and short pulse. He also addresses topics crucial to obtaining good processing results, such as IR and UV material–photon interaction, basic optical components, and system integration. The text goes on to cover real-world applications in the medical, microelectronics, aerospace, and other fields. It concludes with details on processing many common materials, such as metals, silicon, ceramics, and glasses. For engineers and project managers, this book provides the foundation to achieve cost-effectiveness, the best edge quality, and the highest resolution in small-scale industrial laser machining. It will help you select the correct kind of laser for your application and identify real opportunities for growth in the marketplace.

This book covers the fundamental principles and physical phenomena behind laser-based fabrication and machining processes. It also gives an overview of their existing and potential applications. With laser machining an emerging area in various applications ranging from bulk machining in metal forming to micromachining and microstructuring, this book provides a link between advanced materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The interdisciplinary approach of this text will help prepare students and researchers for the next generation of manufacturing.

Advanced materials are becoming increasingly important as substitutes for traditional materials and as facilitators for new and unique products. They have had a considerable impact on the development of a wide range of strategic technologies. Structural ceramics, biomaterials, composites and intermetallics fall under this category of advanced mater

Laser materials processing has made tremendous progress and is now at the forefront of industrial and medical applications. The book describes recent advances in smart and nanoscaled materials going well beyond the traditional cutting and welding applications. As no analytical methods are described the examples are really going into the details of what nowadways is possible by employing lasers for sophisticated materials processing giving rise to achievements not possible by conventional materials processing.

New chapters on bending and cleaning reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to users of this well-known text. Professor Steen's lively presentation is supported by a number of original cartoons by Patrick Wright and Noel Ford, which will bring a smile to your face and ease the learning process. From the reviews: "...well organized, and the text is very practical...The engineering community will find this book informative and useful." (OPTICS AND PHOTONICS NEWS, July/August 2005)

LASER-ASSISTED MACHINING This unique book develops exhaustive engineering perceptions of different laser-assisted techniques, reviews the engineering context of different laser fabrication techniques, and describes the application of laser-assisted fabrication techniques. Lasers are essential in the area of material processing because they can produce coherent beams with little divergence. The fabrication process known as surface cladding includes joining (soldering, welding), material removal (laser-aided drilling, cutting, etc.), deformation (extrusion, bending), and material addition. Some remarkable advantages of laser-assisted material development include faster processing rates and preservation of essential alloying components. However, the lack of widespread understanding of various material phenomena and how laser parameters affect them prevents the technology from being widely accepted on an industrial scale. Among the subjects Laser-Assisted Machining covers include high-powered lasers in material processing applications, laser-based joining of metallic and non-metallic materials, direct laser cladding, laser surface processing, laser micro and nano processing, emerging laser materials processing techniques, solid-state lasers, laser cutting, drilling and piercing, laser welding, laser bending or forming, laser cleaning, laser automation and in-process sensing, femtosecond laser micromachining, laser-assisted micro-milling/grinding, laser-assisted jet electrochemical micro-machining, laser-assisted water jet micro-machining, hybrid laser-electrochemical micromachining process, quill and nonreciprocal ultrafast laser writing, laser surface engineering, ultrashort pulsed laser surface texturing, laser interference patterning systems, laser interference lithography, laser-guided discharge texturing. Audience The book will be used by researchers in the fields of manufacturing technology and materials science as well as engineers and high-level technicians for a better understanding of various innovative and novel techniques to cope with the need of micromachining, as well as microfabrication industries for successful implementation of microproduct manufacturing.

The Laser Cutting Process: Analysis and Applications presents a comprehensive understanding of the laser cutting process and its practical applications. The book includes modeling, such as thermal and stress analysis, along with lamp parameter analysis for kerf width predictions and their practical applications, such as laser cutting of metallic and non-metallic materials and assessment of quality. The book provides analytical considerations for laser cutting, the importance of the affecting parameters, stress levels formed in the cutting section, cutting efficiency and cut morphology and metallurgy. It is designed to be used by individuals working in laser machining and high energy processing. Fills the gap between a fundamental understanding of the laser cutting process and the shortcomings of the industrial (practical) applications Discusses new developments in the laser cutting process of difficult to cut materials Includes thermal analysis for various metallic and non-metallic materials Provides information on Quality Assessment Methods