A Review on the Machinability Enhancement of Metal Matrix Composites by Modern Machining Processes

Abstract

These days, metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being widely utilized in automotive and aerospace industries as prominent alternatives to traditional materials. Owing to their elevated strength-to-weight proportion, exceptional fracture toughness, and lightweight design, they can be used in a variety of applications. MMCs undergo extensive machining while making parts and components out of them. The machining of monolithic materials, such as metals and alloys, is a widely used and established process in different industries, such as the aerospace, bio-medical, and automotive sectors. Because of the properties of the metal matrix and the strong reinforcement, MMCs provide unique challenges. Modern machining processes have been found to be superior in overcoming challenges and achieving improved machinability of MMCs. An overview of MMC machining with modern methods is provided in this article. This article first outlines MMCs and addresses the need for and difficulties associated with their machining. Next, it reviews previous investigations on the machining of MMCs employing modern methods like electrical discharge machining, laser machining, abrasive machining, and hybrid machining. Productivity and surface integrity issues, including delamination and roughness, etc., are discussed. When presenting the review, the benefits and drawbacks of modern processes are also taken into account.