An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Cutting-Edge Geometry on the Machinability of Compacted Graphite Iron

Abstract

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) is considered as the potential replacement of flake graphite iron (FGI) for the manufacturing of new generation high power diesel engines. Use of CGI, that have higher strength and stiffness as compared to FGI, allows engine to perform at higher peak pressure with higher fuel efficiency and lower emission rate. However, not only for its potential, CGI is of an area of interest in metal cutting research because of its poor machinability as compared to that of FGI. The higher strength of CGI causes a faster tool wear rate in continuous machining operation even in low cutting speed as compared to that for FGI. This study investigated the influence of cutting edge geometry at different cutting parameters on the machinability of CGI in terms of tool life, cutting force and surface roughness and integrity in internal turning operation under wet condition. It has been seen that the cutting edge radius has significant effect on tool life and cutting forces. The results can be used to select optimum cutting tool geometry for continuous machining of CGI.