Investigations on Machinability of Al 2 O 3 Reinforced Al6061 Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this study, six different MMCs containing Al 6061 matrix and reinforcements with particle sizes of 32 μm and 66 μm and weight percentages of 10%, 15% and 20% were produced using the vortex method. Machinability tests were conducted at different cutting speeds and feed rates to determine the cutting forces and surface roughness. The test results indicated that the cutting forces positively correlated with the feed rates. Increasing the cutting speed decreased the cutting forces. The cutting forces did not remarkably vary with respect to the particle size for the same feed rates. The surface roughness negatively correlated with the particle weight ratio. Better surface qualities were obtained at higher cutting speeds and lower feed rates.