Finite element analysis machining assessment study of AL-6XN and Inconel 718 alloys

This paper presents a finite element study to assess machinability of AL-6XN alloy by benchmarking against the machinability of Inconel 718 alloy. Johnson-Cook model was used to represent the alloys plastic strain behaviour, at cutting speeds (65 m/min and 94 m/min). Outcomes reveal that percentage increase of the plastic strain at the beginning of cutting, for Inconel 718 alloy was higher by 18% and 4% at speeds of 65 m/min and 94 m/min respectively. The percentage increase in plastic strain for the AL-6XN alloy during the cutting was higher by 36% and 10% at the same cutting speeds. The shear zone temperature percentages of the AL-6XN alloy increased by 31% and 9.5% at 65 m/min and 94 m/min cutting speed respectively when the tool removed chips. Results indicated that the AL-6XN alloy is suitable for industrial applications (due to the alloy elevated ductility) fabricated at elevated cutting speeds. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.