Low frequency vibratory drilling of Ti-6A1-4V alloy

Abstract

Major problems in drilling titanium like chip welding which leads to frictional heating and consequently to high cutting temperature are attributed to properties of titanium. Severe chip adhesion and easy chipping are problems also encountered in drilling titanium. On the other hand, low frequency vibratory drilling is known to have an inhibitory effect on the plastic deformation zone as well as to curb the increase in cutting temperature. This drilling method is thought to be effective in combating the aforementioned problems in drilling titanium, thus low frequency vibratory drilling is employed in the investigation of the cutting characteristics of Ti-6A1-4V alloy. From this study, low frequency vibratory drilling is found to be effective in accelerating the cutting fluid cooling effect and reducing drill point friction heat as a result of the much improved cutting fluid permeability. © 1992, The Japan Institute of Light Metals. All rights reserved.