Abstract: The hybrid processing of jet electrochemical machining and laser beam machining (JECM-LBM) is a new process technology which possesses both the advantages of high efficiency of laser machining and the removing of recast layers on-line by means of the auxiliary effects of cooling, scoring, and electrolysis of electro-jet.Based on the analysis of the principle for JECM-LBM, a special experimental system is designed and built by making use of the properties of laser attenuation in an electrolyte, and drilling experiments on a thin stainless steel sheet are performed with the system.The results show that the recast layer has been reduced by more than 90% during JECM-LBM with NaNO₃ electrolyte at a pressure of 1.5 MPa and a concentration of 18%.By comparing the profiles of holes and analysis of the machining process, it is demonstrated that JECM-LBM is primarily laser machining assisted by electrochemical machining to remove the recast layer, and that the process may find wide application in aerospace engineering.

Key words: laser beam machining, jet electrochemical machining, hybrid process, recast layer, laser attenuation