For the evaluation the maximum force peak of each single edge engagement was separated forming a maximum force graph, shown in Fig. 11. It demonstrates that the active cutting force Fa and passive force Fp in conventional milling show the trend to rise during each test. This occurred with every cutting parameter set. The different modes of laser heating were found to change the value of maximum force peaks, but not the general rising trend. A major influence on the applied maximal forces is the milling strategy. In up-milling mode the mean maximum value of Fa was found lower than in downmilling. Increasing laser power from 500 to 800 W and the cutting speed vc from 500 to 800 m/min diminishes Fa. However, Fa is higher at fz = 0.16 mm. The laser defocus distance has no significant influence on Fa (Fig. 5). While in down-milling the active force Fa was found higher, the passive force Fp showed an opposing trend, being significantly lower in down-milling (Fig. 7). Fp is also reduced at increased feed rates and a defocus distance of 10 mm (Fig. 8). Additionally, the tool deflection was measured in direction of the two perpendicular axes X and Y. As shown in Fig. 12 the average tool deflection is lower in down-milling mode in both directions in LAM compared to conventional milling.