Comparative study of cutting force development during the machining of un-hybridized and hybridized ZA43 based metal matrix composites

Abstract

In the present study, turning of two grades of composites such as ZA43 silicon carbide and ZA43 silicon carbide and graphite was carried out. The fabrication of both categories of composites were done using stir casting technique. The silicon carbide of grit size 60μm with concentration of 5% was reinforced for one category of the composite and for the other grade of composite, 5% silicon carbide and graphite were added. Thus fabricated materials were turned on a conventional lathe using coated carbide tools (SNMG). Dry turning of the fabricated composite was carried out with varying cutting parameters. Measurement of cutting force was done for the both compositions of fabricated materials using lathe tool dynamometer. It was observed that, while machining composite containing silicon carbide and graphite, tool experience more cutting force than composite containing silicon carbide alone.

Keywords

• hybrid metal matrix composites
• turning
• coated carbide tool
• graphite
• cutting force