Differences in physical phenomena governing laser machining of structural ceramics

Several structural ceramics such as alumina, silicon nitride, silicon carbide and magnesia were machined using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Laser processing conditions and temperature dependent thermo-physical properties govern the physical phenomena that machine these ceramics. Melting, dissociation and evaporation are some of the vital mechanisms associated with material removal. Discrimination and incorporation of these physical processes into a hydrodynamic machining model to predict different machining parameters was conducted. The model provides an outstanding tool for advance prediction of thermal energy and time required for machining desired depth of material.