A Systematic Review of Laser Surfacing, Resurfacing, and Cutting

Laser surfacing, resurfacing, and cutting are leading-edge laser machining processes that bring benefits not previously known to the machining industry through state-of-the-art techniques. Laser machining is growing rapidly as the industry adopts additive manufacturing, creating a need for a process review. This study aims to critique the viability of laser surfacing, rust removal, and cutting machine processes in industry. A comprehensive literature review approach was adopted on previous studies on laser machining processes. The study also mirrored the effects of laser machining operations parameters by determining how changing them affects the final product. The results confirmed that laser surfacing can enhance surface finish on both simple and complex geometries for various materials. It was also discovered that thermal expansion and pressure waves can remove unwanted particles such as rust and dirt in the case of laser cleaning. Laser cutting provides a thorough and precise cut with no tool wear. These methods can efficiently and precisely perform across various complex geometries with little waste and no tool wear. Additionally, results show that laser power and scanning speed parameters are the most important laser parameters used in determining the success of a laser machining operation. Hence, the authors emphasized the importance of carefully selecting laser parameters, ensuring they are specifically tailored to the material and condition of the workpiece. They also advocated further research to optimize parameter selection in laser machining processes.