Investigation of ultrasonic-assisted drilling temperature of SiCp/Al composites

Due to their excellent properties and low manufacturing costs, SiC particle-reinforced Al matrix composites (SiCp/Al) find extensive application in automobile manufacturing and aerospace. However, SiCp/Al is less machinable. The ultrasonic-assisted drilling (UAD) decreases tool wear and enhances the quality of drilled holes when compared to conventional machining techniques. This paper investigates the effect of drilling temperature variations induced by processing conditions on the degree of softening of the base material during UAD of SiCp/Al. It also analyses the mechanism of how drilling temperature affects the quality of the holes made from the perspective of matrix softening. The study demonstrates a regularity in the impact of spindle speed, ultrasonic supply voltage(ultrasonic vibration amplitude), and feed rate as a function of drilling temperature. The effects of temperature changes caused by each of these factors on import/export edge defects, surface scratches on the hole wall, and tool machinability vary.