Some Aspects of Improving Integrity of Machined Surfaces on Al/SiCp Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

This paper presents findings of an experimental work which involved use of wiping edge on the cutting tool and a priory heating of the work surfaces to improve the integrity of machined surfaces. The wiper edge cleans the machined surface and a priory heating induces necessary local ductility into the machined surface to promote improvement in the surface integrity. The result shows that the wiper inserts reduce surface roughness (by about 38%); cutting forces (by about 8%) and induce compressive (or lower tensile) residual stresses in the machined surfaces, hence help to improve the surface integrity. Similarly, a priory heating of work surfaces at 70°C was also found to improve machined surface roughness considerably.