Abstract
Among advanced materials, particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) are finding increasing applications due to their improved properties including high modulus, high strength to weight ratio and good wear resistance. Despite their superior properties, their poor machinability has been the main deterrent to their applications. The use of conventional tool materials for machining them is not possible as the hard abrasive reinforcing particles will cause rapid tool wear during machining and consequently incur higher machining costs; further, the heterogeneity of MMCs make selection of cutting tools, an unique exercise. In this paper, machinability of LM6 Al-alloy reinforced with 15% by volume fraction of SiC particles with polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) and poly crystalline diamond (PCD) tools is presented. The results show that PCD tool performing better when compared to PCBN. In case of PCBN, a solid built up edge (BUE) forming a lump a mass around the nose is observed which deteriorates its machining performance.
