Comparison of Chip Breakability between Age-hardened Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Si Alloys

Abstract

The chip breakability of age-hardened Al-4.0mass%Cu alloy and Al-5.6mass%Cu-4.0mass%Si alloy during turning with carbide inserts (K10) were examined. In dry cutting, overaged materials showed increased chip breakability compared to underaged and peakaged materials for both Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Si alloys. This was considered due to increased adhesion of workpieces to the surface of the tool. In contrast, in wet cutting, the chip breakability of Al-Cu-Si alloys increased largely. This increase of chip breakability in Al-Cu-Si alloys is due to the decreased strength of chips as a result of infiltration of cutting oil to the microcracks in chips.