Experimental study and modeling of laser micro texturing of Nitinol

Abstract

The unique material properties of Nitinol have led to its extensive use in the biomedical field and microdevices. However, the machining of Nitinol remains a challenge due to its exceptional mechanical properties. This led to the use of a non-conventional machining process, of which laser machining proved to be most suitable and promising due to its versatility. To understand the process, the sample was irradiated by a laser beam over a straight line. An analytical model attempts to understand the process and predict the minimum process parameters necessary to conduct the machining process. The results are compared experimentally, wherein the influence of laser power and scan speed over the surface morphology, hardness, and groove dimensions are studied in detail. The optimum process signature was 90 W of laser fluence with a 100 mm/s scanning speed.