Infrared Thermography for Investigation of Surface Quality in Dry Finish Turning of Ti6Al4V

The machining of titanium alloys always raises issues because of their peculiar chemical and physical characteristics as compared to traditional steel or aluminum alloys. A proper selection of parameters and their monitoring during the cutting operation makes it possible to minimize the surface roughness and cutting force. In this experimental study, infrared thermography was used as a control parameter of the surface roughness of Ti6A4V in dry finish turning. An analysis of variance was carried out to determine the effect of the main cutting parameters (cutting speed and feed rate) on the surface roughness and cutting temperature. In the examined range of the machining parameters, cutting speed and feed were found to have a primary effect on the surface roughness of the machined parts. Cutting speed also significantly affected the temperature of the cutting region, while feed was of second order. Higher cutting speeds and intermediate feed values gave the best surface roughness. A regression analysis defined some models to relate the cutting temperature and surface roughness to the machining parameters. Infrared thermography demonstrated that the cutting temperature could be related to roughness.