Investigations on process parameters optimization in machining of metal matrix composite

Abstract

Particulate reinforced aluminium matrix composites are widely used in automobile and aerospace sectors because of their attractive properties like high strength to weight ratio and good wear resistance These materials in addition to be manufactured with many variations offer an advantage of low cost However the difficulties encountered in machining these composites has become a great challenge to the industry Researches carried out with conventional and non conventional methods reveal that there is no particular technique which best suits for machining Aluminium Matrix Composites While tool wear rate is the major issue in conventional method work piece damage and cost are being the important factors associated with non conventional machining methods Electro Chemical Machining process which can machine any conductive material without tool and work making direct contact can address the first two issues But the researches carried out so far in ECM has mostly concentrated in improving their process characteristics and very limited work has been reported about machining composite materials