The present work puts light on the non-conventional machining process in
which heat energy is utilized to remove the material from the workpiece. Laser beam
machining is a process in which a high-intensity beam falls on the work surface to raise
the temperature so that the vaporization of material could take place. Laser beam
machining process can be utilized to machine hard and brittle materials. The laser types
used and laser drilling processes are reviewed. The complex profiles cutting and microdrilling
can be achieved which is not possible by other conventional and nonconventional
machining processes. Many researchers have studied that a hybrid process
can improve the process parameters of laser beam machining. This paper reviews its
need, hybrid process and latest developments in the field of machining of different
materials like ceramics, composites, etc. The last section of the paper discusses the area
of future research in this field.
Keywords: Complex shapes, Drilling, Hard and brittle materials, Heat energy,
Hybrid machining, Laser beam, Laser beam Machining, Machining parameters,
Micro-drilling.
