Machining and surface quality of Quaternary niticuzr shape memory Alloy through unconventional Machining processes

Abstract

Shape memory alloy (SMA), also called memory metal, is a smart material that exhibits a unique shape memory effect and superelasticity properties. NiTi SMAs can absorb and dissipate energy by undergoing a reversible phase change when subjected to thermo mechanical cyclic loading. Apart from these, the alloys also possess high corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Adding copper (Cu) and zirconium (Zr) to binary NiTi is a viable and cost-effective alternative among the alloying elements. In addition, they increase the martensitic transformation temperatures and improve the functional fatigue properties. The NiTi-based SMAs are to be machined into various complex shapes and sizes to meet the needs of several biomedical, aerospace, robotics, and civil engineering applications. This research work studied the material characterization and machining effects of fabricated NiTiCuZr SMA by enhancing the material removal rate and reducing the surface roughness. newlineThe NiTiCuZr SMA was fabricated using vacuum induction melting (VIM) with Ti (50%), Ni (44%), Cu (4%), and Zr (2%) chemical composition. The XRD analysis reveals the formation of austenitic and martensitic phases. In addition, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms clearly show the appearance of austenite and martensite phases in the alloy, leading to good shape memory characteristics. newlineThe study explored the benefits of advanced machining processes like wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), ultrasonic-assisted wire electrical discharge machining (USV-WEDM), and fiber laser machining to make high-precision SMA components with less damage newline