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Nickel-based superalloy Inconel718 is a typical difficult-to-machine material with the characteristic of high strength and hardness. Demands for micro parts of nickel-based superalloy Inconel718 are growing in aerospace, biomedical and other fields. Laser-assisted micro-milling (LAMM) can realize precision machining of the workpiece because of its lower cutting force. However, the machining mechanism and the change law of cutting force during LAMM of nickel-based superalloy Inconel718 are still unclear. There is a crucial need for modeling of LAMM Inconel718. This paper explores LAMM of nickel-based superalloy Inconel718 and realizes the simulation of LAMM process. A three-dimensional transient heat transfer finite element (FE) model is established to predict the temperature distribution of a Gaussian heat source in LAMM. Multiple sets of simulations of laser pre-heating with various laser power are conducted to analyze the temperature fields of workpiece and determine the appropriate laser parameters. A novel 3D model of the full machining process of LAMM Inconel 718 is constructed by ABAQUS with multi-subroutine, a fully coupled thermal-mechanical process is achieved. A modified Johnson-Cook constitutive model is used to reflect the size effect and flow stress of LAMM Inconel 718. Finally, the validity of the models is verified by experiments. Based on the verified model, the appropriate laser pre-heating parameters are obtained, and the prediction of cutting forces of LAMM Inconel718 is achieved. [Display omitted] • Appropriate laser parameters are determined based on laser pre-heating FE model. • Fully thermo-mechanical coupling of LAMM Inconel718 simulation is achieved. • LAMM Inconel718 experiments are conducted and verified the validity of the models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]