Investigation of cutting tool wear behaviors in machining of silicon carbide and magnesium oxide reinforced aluminum 2024 matrix composites

In this study, first Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO) powders of <= 105 micron particle size were mixed in equal amounts. Then, the powder mixture was reinforced by using vortex method in liquid Al2024 aluminum alloy in three different ratios (3%, 6% and 12%) to produce composites. Finally, on composite samples, machinability tests were carried out with a uniform cutting tool at constant cutting depth (1 mm) and dry cutting conditions. Three different cutting speeds (100, 150, 200 m min(-1)) and three different feed values (0.03; 0.06; 0.12 mm/rev) were used in the machining experiments. Machinability tests were performed on a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) lathe. Wear behavior of cutting tools were examined by using SEM microscope images. In all of the cutting tools, built-up edge (BUE) was observed while small amount of flank wear occurred. It was concluded that the selected cutting tool and cutting parameters maybe suitable for the machining of such composite materials.