A study on the machinability behaviour of Al–TiC composite prepared by in situ technique

With the wide range of applications of metal-matrix composites (MMCs), the machining of these materials has become a very important subject for research. This paper discusses the experimental investigation on chip formation and cutting force measurement during shaping operation of Al–TiC MMCs produced by the in situ technique and compared with those for Al–TiAl3 composite and Al–Si alloys. The machinability of MMCs was characterised by the nature of chip formed, cutting force and machined surface produced. It was observed that there was improvement in the quality of the machined surface with increased amount of TiC particles in the composite. The cutting force for Al–TiAl3 composite and Al–Si was higher than that for Al–TiC composite. The machinability studies were supplemented by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) studies. The cutting forces were measured during the shaping operation with the help of a dynamometer using HSS cutting tool, dry environment and keeping cutting velocity, feed and depth of cut constant. The chips formed were also characterised and compared from the point of view of machinability.