The optimum condition to obtain the good surface finish of the reamed holes with accuracy was investigated in an aluminum cast alloy, AC8B. The results obtained are as follows:
(1) The curve of torque vs cutting speed consisted of two parts, a constant torque region and a region, where torque increases acceleratedly with an increase of cutting speed.
(2) Specific cutting resistance increased rapidly as the reaming depth increased. This is one of the characteristics in the cutting mechanism of "light cutting".
(3) The accuracy of the reamed holes or the surface roughness linearly depended on the cutting speed. This result suggests that there is a certain relation between the cutting speed and the growth of built-up edges.
(4) The optimum reaming condition was attained when the effective reaming depth and the cutting speed were, respectively, below 0.4mm and about 20m/min in the case of the cast alloy, AC8B.