Cutting force, tool wear and surface finish in drilling metal matrix composites

• Published in: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part E, Journal of process mechanical engineering Vol. 215; no. 2; pp. 177 - 183
• Main Authors: Davim, J P, Monteiro Baptista, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2001; Mechanical Engineering Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Machining, milling; Materials science; Materials synthesis; materials processing; Physics; metal matrix composites (MMCs); tool wear; drilling; polycrystalline diamond (PCD); cutting forces; surface finish; Cutting tools; Metal matrix composite; Machining; Polycrystals; Experimental study; Torque measurement; Cutting; Dies; Composite materials; Surface forces; Tool wear; Drills; Holes; Distance measurement; Continuous measurement; Finishing; Cutting force
• ISSN: 0954-4089; 2041-3009
• DOI: 10.1243/0954408011530334

Abstract In this paper the evolution of the cutting force, tool wear and surface finish, measured when drilling the metal matrix composite A356/20/SiCp-T6, is presented. The experimental work was developed through the continuous measurement of the torque with an appropriate piezoelectric dynamometer and the results were used to derive the cutting power (ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 kW) and the specific cutting pressure, K s (1700-3500 N/mm2). The tool wear type was identified and its evolution with cutting time was measured for different sets of cutting conditions, using polycrystalline diamond drills. The holes' surface finish was evaluated and very good results, exceeding standard values for drilling, were obtained (R a between 0.25 and 1.2 μm).