Laser-Assisted machining (LAM) is a new method for processing hard-to-cut materials. However, curved shapes are difficult to predict the preheating effect of by LAM because heat sources are changed by moving laser module. So, it is necessary to study the preheating effect of the laser heat source irradiated on a 3-dimensionally shaped workpiece, such as a NURBS shaped workpiece. In this study, thermal analysis and preheating experiment of the LAM for the NURBS shaped workpiece are performed. Also, two machining methods are proposed to avoid interference of laser module and cutting tool. The results of the analysis can be applied to various shaped workpieces by LAM.
