WHAT IS LBM PROCESS?

              WHAT IS LBM PROCESS?

Leaser Beam Machining (LBM): The full form of the term “Laser” is light amplification by simulated emission radiation. The basic elements of LBM are –

                                  I.          Laser rod tube (which is made of glass coated with reflecting material).

                                II.          A flash lamp (which is source of energy).

                             III.          A pair of mirrors (one at each end of the tube).

                             IV.          An amplifying source.

                               V.          A source of power supply (A.C or D.C.)

                             VI.          A cooling system

                          VII.          A lens(which is the focusing source)

When the system is connected to the power line, light energy is thrown on to the ruby rod. This excites the atoms of the inside media, which absorbs the radiation of incoming light energy. This produces to and from mirror does not reflect the total light back and a part of it goes out in the form of coherent stream of monochromatic light. This highly amplified stream of light is focused through a lens which converges the beam light to the required point on the work piece. This high intensity laser beam melts the work piece material and even vaporizes it.

Application of LBM process: LBM not a mass material removal process but it is possible to use this process in mass micro machining production.

                       I.          Trimming of carbon resistors

                    II.          Drilling small holes in hard materials like tungsten and ceramics

                 III.          Shaping complex profiles on thin and hard materials

                 IV.          Cutting or engraving patterns on thin layers.

                    V.          Dynamic balancing of precision rotating part such as of watches.

                 VI.          Cutting of sheet metal and plastic parts.

Advantage of LBM:

                   I.          There is no direct contact between the tool and the work piece. Hence tool wear is out of question.

                II.          Any material can be easily machined irrespective of its structure, mechanical and physical properties.

             III.          The method can be effectively used for welding of dissimilar metals.

             IV.          Heat affected zone around the machined surface is small.

                V.          Very small holes and cuts can be made with high degree of accuracy.