Proposed tool wear model for machining particle reinforced metal matrix composites

While metal matrix composites (MMCs) have proven mechanical advantages over conventional alloys, machining difficulty has limited their widespread use. A tool wear model for machining MMCs could be used to not only predict the machinability of a particular alloy, but could also be used to develop alloys which are more easily machined. This paper proposes a wear model that accounts for workpiece and cutting tool constituents and their properties, in addition to the traditionally used cutting conditions. This preliminary model has been developed for Aluminum/SiCp systems. This paper concentrates on model development with a brief presentation of experimental validation work.