Machinability issues in turning of Al-SiC (10p) metal matrix composites

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology Vol. 39; no. 3-4; pp. 211 - 218
• Main Authors: Muthukrishnan, N., Murugan, M., Prahlada Rao, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer-Verlag 01-10-2008; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aluminum matrix composites; CAE) and Design; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Cutting parameters; Cutting speed; Cutting wear; Diamond machining; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Inserts; Machinability; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Metal matrix composites; Numerical controls; Original Article; Polycrystalline diamond; Power consumption; Surface finish; Surface roughness; Tool wear; Turning (machining); Metal matrix composites; Specific power consumption and surface finish; Machining; Tool wear
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-007-1220-8

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the machinability of fabricated aluminum metal matrix composite (A356/SiC/10p) during continuous turning of composite rods using medium grade polycrystalline diamond (PCD 1500) inserts. MMC’s are very difficult to machine and PCD tools are considered by far, the best choice for the machining of these materials. Experiments were conducted at LMW-CNC-LAL-2 production lathe using PCD 1500 grade insert at various cutting conditions and parameters such as surface roughness, specific power consumed, and tool wear were measured. Machining was continued till the flank wear land on the tool crossed 0.4 mm. The influences of cutting speed on the insert wear and built-up edges (BUEs) formation were studied. The present results reaffirm the suitability of PCD for machining MMCs. Though BUE formation was observed at low cutting speeds, at high cutting speeds very good surface finish and low specific power consumption could be achieved.