The cutting behavior of Shirasu Balloon-Al-12%Si alloy composites has been studied and compared with that of silumin. The obtained results are as follows.
(1) As the joining force between Shirasu Balloons and the matrix in the composite is relatively low, cracking occurred ahead of the tool tip and Shirasu Balloons were dug out with the progression of cutting. It is therefore difficult to obtain good machined surface.
(2) The cutting resistance and the cutting temperature of the composite were considerably lower than those of silumin, and the built-up edge was not formed in cutting of the composite.
(3) In this experiment, the cutting resistance was lower and better machined surface was obtained in cutting with a high speed steel (SKH4) tool than with a carbide (K10) tool.
(4) Better machined surface was obtained for the composite of higher density which was made under higher casting pressure, although it showed slightly higher cutting resistance and higher cutting temperature.
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