A study on machinability of Al/SiC-MMC

The paper presents the result of an experimental investigation on the machinability of silicon carbide particulate aluminium metal matrix composite during turning using fixed rhombic tools. The influence of machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the cutting force and surface finish criteria were investigated during the experimentation. The combined effect of cutting speed and feed on the flank wear was investigated during experimentation. The influence of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on the tools wear and built-up edges (BUEs) were analysed. The BUE and chip formation at different sets of experiments were examined through SEM micrographs. Test results show that no BUE is formed during machining of Al/SiC-MMC at high speed and low depth of cut. From the test results and different SEM graphs suitable range of cutting speed, feed and low depth of cut can be selected for proper machining of Al/SiC-MMC. This practical research analysis and test results on the machinability of Al/SiC-MMC will provide effective guidelines to the present day manufacturing engineers. The research work findings will also provide useful economic machining solution by utilizing fixed rhombic tooling during processing of Al/SiC-MMC, which is otherwise usually machined by costly PCD or CBN tools. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.