Thermal Modelling for Laser Machining of SS316 L, Inconel 718 and Ti6Al4V

Laser beam machining is a complex thermal process of material removal. In this process, thermal energy is used to vaporize and remove the material from a particular area. Hence a comprehensive study is needed to completely understand the process which can be achieved by a simulation model and its validation through experimentation. In this paper this was achieved with an experimental study to see the relation between the Laser power and the material removal rate (MRR) of SS 316 L, Inconel 718 and Ti6Al4V during the process of Laser Machining. Also a 3D transient model of a moving Gaussian heat source was developed in ANSYS 18.2 to predict the MRR for different values of laser power. Mesh sensitivity analysis was done prior to the usage of the model so as to choose the perfect mesh size which can give the best results possible. After validation of the model, a close correlation was found between the experimental data and the simulation results. In the simulation model it was also observed that the temperature is maximum at the point of contact of the laser and is comparatively very high for a fraction of second.