Improvement of the surface finish obtained by laser ablation with a Nd: YAG laser on pre-ablated tool steel

Abstract

Surface finish is an important requirement for tool and die makers and remains a challenge with conventional machining technologies. Nd: YAG lasers have been utilised for many years in the area of laser marking, engraving and micro machining. In recent years, these lasers have been used in other fields, such as laser ablation of small tools for plastics injection moulding. Laser ablation is a technology that is investigated as a method to improve the surface finish in tool steel. Different proposed strategies and techniques that are uniquely inherent to the technology will be investigated. The focus of this study is to employ a second routine of laser ablation on samples of pre-ablated rough surfaces. These strategies are expected to add surface quality that will reduce the need for further surface finishing. Strategies that reduce surface quality would also be identified. It is reported on the influence of machining parameters on the improvement of the quality of the surface finish.