Abstract
This study focused on laser assisted machining (LAM) of silicon nitride ceramic that efficiently removes the material through machining of the softened zone by local heating. The effects of laser-assisted machining parameters were studied for cost reduction, and active application in processing of silicon nitride ceramics in this study. Laser assisted machining of silicon nitride allows effective cutting using CBN tool by local heating of the cutting part to the softening temperature of YSiAlON using by the laser beam. When silicon nitride is sufficiently preheated, the surface is oxidized and decomposed and then forms bloating, micro crack and silicate layer, thereby making the cutting process more advantageous. HIPSN and SSN specimens were used to study the machining characteristics. Higher laser power makes severer oxidation and decomposition of both materials. Therefore, HIPSN and SSN specimens were machined more effectively at higher power.
