Relationship between machinability index and in-process parameters during orthogonal cutting of steels

Temperature and plastic strain maps were obtained during orthogonal cutting of two steels with different machinability indexes using a high-speed dual-spectrum (visible and infrared) and visible spectrum cameras, respectively. Surface and internal temperature were compared by simultaneous measurements with a thermal camera and thermocouples embedded in the flank face of the cutting tool. A cause-effect relationship between the machinability index and the analyzed in-process variables is determined. This will help with developing a practical tool for the scientific design of different machinability index materials, as well as an alternative method to time-consuming and expensive standardized machinability tests. (C) 2011 CIRP.