In the last few years, lasers have found new applications as tools for ceramic machining which is laser-assisted machining(LAM). LAM process for the machining of difficult-to-machine materials such as structural ceramics, has recently been studied on silicon nitride workpiece for a wide range of operating condition. However, there have been few studies on rake angle in LAM process. In this paper we analyzed difference of machinability between positive and negative rake angle in tools. We have obtained interesting results that we could eliminate chattering, lower specific cutting and cutting ratio in case of positive rake angle. The results suggest that positive rake angled tools can make more plastic deformation and stable cutting of silicon nitride in comparison with negative rake angled one.
