Analysis of precision deburring using a laser - An experimental study and FEM simulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop an effective method for automated deburring of precision components. A high power laser is proposed as a deburring tool for complex part edges and burrs. For the laser experiments, rectangular-shaped carbon steel and stainless steel machined specimens with burr along one side were prepared. A 1500 Watt CO2 laser was used to remove burrs on the workpieces. The prediction of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and cutting profile of laser-deburred parts using finite element method is presented and compared with the experimental results. This study shows that the finite element method (FEM) analysis can effectively predict the thermal affected zone of the material and that the technique can be applied to precision components.