Turning of particulate metal matrix composites - review and discussion

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have emerged as an important class of materials, which are increasingly being utilized in recent years. Application of these materials in certain areas is limited due to difficulties in machining. The principal machining parameters that control machinability characteristics are extrinsic parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and type of cutting tools) and intrinsic parameters (particulate size, volume fraction, and type of reinforcement). Different cutting tools used in machining these materials are given in the order of decreasing hardness as PCD, CBN, TiC, Si3N4, Al2O3, and WC. The present review is focused on the influence of cutting parameters, morphology, distribution, and volume fraction of reinforcement on the surface finish, tool life, cutting forces, and chip formation. This review will provide an insight into selecting the optimum machining parameters for machining metal matrix composites.