Applicability and machining mechanism of in-situ laser-assisted ramp milling: a case study on 6061 aerospace aluminum alloy

Key Points

• Enhanced milling performance is achieved through in-situ laser assistance, improving efficiency and surface quality.
• The study shows that the laser-assisted ramp milling reduces cutting forces by up to 25%, optimizing material removal.
• Observational analysis of milling trials indicates better thermal management and reduced tool wear during machining sessions.
• The findings highlight the machining mechanism's applicability, potentially transforming aerospace manufacturing processes.