Surface formation mechanism in waterjet guided laser cutting of a Ni-based superalloy

Waterjet guided laser (WJGL) cutting is a relatively new technology for high-precision machining of difficult-to-cut materials. However, its material removal mechanism presents some unique features because the interaction between laser, waterjet and workpiece. This paper investigates surface formation in WJGL Ni-based superalloy influence on fatigue performance. Two different microstructures have been found layer, i.e. recast crystals redeposited amorphous oxide, resulting from solidification melt plasma respectively under laser-waterjet interaction. Mechanical twinning structures were also revealed substrate due to confined shockwave impact.