Laser-assisted machining (LAM) is an effective machining method for processing difficult-to-cut materials. Prediction and estimation of preheating effect of the LAM is difficult because of moving heat source. So it is necessary to study the preheating effect of the laser heat source irradiated on the curved surfaces of workpieces of various shape. In this paper, thermal analysis of the LAM for 3-dimentional workpiece with cylindrical shape was performed. The results of this analysis can be applied to obtain the optimal preheating method and path for LAM of 3-dimensional workpiece.
