Conclusions and Future Work Recommendations

Rectangular cross-sectional micro-channels of different sizes have been fabricated in selected aerospace alloys, including nickel alloy (Inconel 718), titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and aluminum alloy (AA 2024) through laser beam micro-milling (LBMM) with Nd:YAG pulsed laser. The laser beam micro-milling is performed under two ambient conditions such as dry conditions and wet conditions. The micro-milling processes corresponding to the machining conditions are termed as; (1) underwater laser beam micro-milling (UWLBMM), and (2) dry laser beam micro-milling (DLBMM). The effects of laser process parameters (i.e., lamp current intensity, pulse frequency and laser scanning speed) on micro-channel’s geometrical characteristics (e.g., top width, bottom width, depth, and taperness) have been experimentally investigated. In addition to micro-geometries, the microstructures and micro-hardness profiles of the ablated channels were also examined. In the light of the experimental results, discussions and analysis the research outcomes are classified into two categories according to the employed machining conditions (dry and wet).