Basic Research on Forgeability and Machinability of
Lead-Free Free-Cutting Brass Containing Graphite Particles
Produced by Powder Forming Process

Abstract

The forgeability and machinability of lead-free free-cutting brass containing graphite particles were examined by standard compression tests and machinability tests. Compression tests were performed on specimens containing 0∼5 wt% graphite particles at RT and 600∼800°C and results revealed the flow stress and limit upsetting ratio of the material. In particular, under hot compression test, characteristic voids were observed in brass matrix. In the machinability test, a novel testing method has been proposed and its machinability features were investigated. With FEM simulation, extrusion and forging processes were analyzed and a characteristic correlation between nominal strain and graphite morphology was found.