Technological Innovations in Machining of Inconel 718: A State of the Art

Thermal Energy Based Processes

These processes use thermal energy to erode the material from the workpiece by fusion or vaporization. Initially, the conventional heat sources such as furnaces, torches or induction heating were explored. But now the unconventional techniques based on plasma, laser heating and electric spark discharges are employed. The most commonly used thermal energy based processes are plasma arc machining, laser beam machining, electric discharge machining and wire electrical discharge machining. The thermal energy based processes may cause metallurgical and physical damage to the new work surface. Sometimes, the resulting surface finish is so poor that the successive processing may be essential. In the following text, the latest developments on the application of plasma, laser, electric discharge and wire electrical discharge machining for enhancing the machinability capabilities of Inconel 718 have been presented.