Improving Machinability in Conventional Turning of Ti-6Al-4V Using Work Piece Pre-Heating with Standard Cutting Tools

Abstract

Machining hard to machine materials using conventional method of machining has proved to be very costly as these materials greatly affect the tool life because of poor machinability. One material that requires considerable study is Titanium which is a relatively lightweight material and provides excellent mechanical properties. The major problems in machining Titanium Alloys are the high cutting temperatures and rapid tool wear. Machining of Titanium using techniques like Laser Assisted Machining and Plasma Assisted Machining have proven to give high productivity rates, but the costs associated are very high. The main objective of this work is to develop a method for improving the machinability of Ti-6Al-4V using Work Piece Pre-Heating technique by using Conventional Machining with standard tools. Design of experiments was performed using Taguchi’s robust design. The machining operation was performed at elevated temperatures using oxy-acetylene flame. The tools used are Coated and Uncoated Carbide Tools. Based on the tool wear values obtained with different cutting conditions, it is concluded that this technique is feasible with the coated and uncoated carbide tools to machine titanium components commercially.