In underwater laser beam machining (ULBM), water provides a cooling effect by reducing the influence of the laser heat source, which makes ULBM more suitable for marking, cutting, and postprocessing than laser beam machining (LBM). Because the laser heat source not only affects the substrate temperature, but also heats the water, this study analyzes how the cooling effect occurs when water is heated. In this study, the heat-transformed zones in ULBM and heated underwater laser beam machining (HULBM) were improved by approximately 33% and 24%, respectively, compared to LBM at 400 W. In addition, the heat-affected zones in ULBM and HULBM improved by approximately 15% and 9%, respectively, compared to LBM. The hardness of ULBM and HULBM was higher than that of LBM. Based on these results, it was confirmed that water can reduce the effect of the laser heat source and improve the mechanical properties. Experiments will be conducted on the underwater laser beam machining of various substrates, such as Inconel718 and Ti-6Al-4V, in a future study. In addition, experiments will be conducted on the underwater laser beam machining of various substrates using a cooling system that can lower the temperature of water.
Keywords: 304 stainless steel; heat-affected zone; heating system; mechanical property; underwater laser beam machining.