Optimizing machining parameters of wire-EDM process to cut Al7075/SiCp composites using an integrated statistical approach

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) as advanced materials, while producing the components with high dimensional accuracy and intricate shapes, are more complex and cost effective for machining than conventional alloys. It is due to the presence of discontinuously distributed hard ceramic with the MMCs and involvement of a large number of machining control variables. However, determination of optimal machining conditions helps the process engineer to make the process efficient and effective. In the present investigation a novel hybrid multi-response optimization approach is proposed to derive the economic machining conditions for MMCs. This hybrid approach integrates the concepts of grey relational analysis (GRA), principal component analysis (PCA) and Taguchi method (TM) to derive the optimal machining conditions. The machining experiments are planned to machine Al7075/SiCp MMCs using wire-electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process. SiC particulate size and its weight percentage are explicitly considered here as the process variables along with the WEDM input variables. The derived optimal process responses are confirmed by the experimental validation tests and the results showed satisfactory. The practical possibility of the derived optimal machining conditions is also analyzed and presented using scanning electron microscope examinations. According to the growing industrial need of making high performance, low cost components, this investigation provide a simple and sequential approach to enhance the WEDM performance while machining MMCs.     

A review on conventional and nonconventional machining of SiC particle-reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Among the various types of metal matrix composites, SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiC_p/Al) are finding increasing applications in many industrial fields such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. However, SiC_p/Al composites are considered as difficult-to-cut materials due to the hard ceramic reinforcement, which causes severe machinability degradation by increasing cutting tool wear, cutting force, etc. To improve the machinability of SiC_p/Al composites, many techniques including conventional and nonconventional machining processes have been employed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the machining performance of SiC p/Al composites using conventional machining, i.e., turning, milling, drilling, and grinding, and using nonconventional machining, namely electrical discharge machining (EDM), powder mixed EDM, wire EDM, electrochemical machining, and newly developed high-efficiency machining technologies, e.g., blasting erosion arc machining. This research not only presents an overview of the machining aspects of SiC_p/Al composites using various processing technologies but also establishes optimization parameters as reference of industry applications.The full text can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40436-020-00313-2     

Fabrication and machining of ceramic composites — A review on current scenario

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are the best-suited material for various engineering application due to their superior properties. The different processing methods involved in the fabrication and machining of these CMCs are a center for attraction to researchers and industrial society. This review article primarily focuses on the development of different processing methods and machining methods for ceramic matrix composites since the last few years. Out of these fabrication methods, powder metallurgy emerged as a most promising and cost-effective technique. In addition, electric discharge machining (EDM) has proved to be time saving, cost effective, and capable of machining complex shapes in composites. At the end, challenges in the processing and machining of ceramic matrix composites have been identified from the literature, and further benefits of microwave sintering and electric discharge machining of materials have been addressed in the paper.     

Review on the machining characteristics and research prospects of conventional microscale machining operations

The concept of miniaturizing machine tools has received a strong interest in the research community due to their ability to fabricate intricate components. Lower power consumption, higher productivity rate, and smaller sizes of work stations have enabled microscale machining operations to acquire an edge over other fabrication techniques in various applications such as aerospace, instrumentation, automotive, biomedical, etc. The literature is filled with works done by researchers working in this domain. A significant contribution comes from the works which have been published during the period 1998–2014. The focus of these studies has primarily been on conventional and nonconventional micromachining techniques. Since nonconventional machining operations such as microelectrical discharge machining, laser machining, etc., are not compatible with traditional workpiece materials, conventional micromachining techniques such as micromilling and microdrilling are generally used. However, as of today, there has been no revision on the state of the-art in this field to serve as a reference for the experienced researcher and as a handbook for the newcomer. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the current state of understanding on this topic. A variety of issues which are representative of micromachining operations are critically analyzed and presented. Conventional micromachining operations have been compared with their nonconventional counterparts with respect to performance characteristics such as burr formation, surface integrity, etc., and their advantages and shortcomings have been listed. Meticulous efforts have been taken to address the key challenges faced in typical micromachining operations. Taking the convenience of the reader into consideration, we have presented a bird's-eye view of the various micromachining operations and simulation studies as performed in the last decade. In the last few years, diamond turning operations have gained more importance and are particularly used for machining composite materials and superalloys. This paper gives an insight into these operations apart from providing an outlook for future growth and development of micromachining technology.     

Experimental investigations into triplex hybrid process of GA-RDECDM during subtractive processing of MMC’s

The use of Al-6063 SiCp metal matrix composites (MMCs) in electronic packaging applications, heat sinks for printed circuit boards and for microwave housings necessitates certain degree of machining operations to meet the specifications of the product. The various conventional and non-conventional machining processes had been used to machine the MMCs. But all such processes have their limitations in providing the desired outcomes. Therefore, the present research endeavor, a new process variant of ECDM for the machining of Al-6063 SiCp MMCs. The developed grinding assisted rotary disk electrochemical discharge machining (GA-RDECDM) process integrates the concept of triplex hybridization. In GA-RDECDM, an abrasive coated rotary disk was used as a tool electrode. The abrasive coated disk provides micro gaps between the tool electrode and work material surface and thereby it results in thin and stable gas film formation. The breakdown of thin and stable gas films produce high frequency, low intensity discharges and consequently improves the machining performance. The additional abrasion action imparted by rotating disk ensures the continuation of ECDM process. The influence of various process parameters including applied voltage, pulse on time, electrolyte concentration and the disk rotation rate on width over cut (WOC) and depth were experimentally investigated. Multi criteria optimization using desirability approach predicts the parametric combination of applied voltage of 99V, pulse on time of 3 ms, electrolyte concentration of 17%wt./vol. and disk rotation rate of 30 rpm as the optimum setting for fabrication of slits on the MMCs. The underlying process mechanism is also investigated and presented with appropriate illustrations. The major contribution of the present research work is the development of a novel method for the fabrication of the slits on MMCs.     

Study of Magnetic Field-Assisted ED Machining of Metal Matrix Composites

The present study deals with an investigation of the hybrid electric discharge (ED) machining process executed in a magnetic field for improving process performance. Previous magnetic field-assisted electric discharge machining (MFAEDM) techniques, however, are limited to use with a class of magnetic workpieces. In this particular study, the magnetic field was coupled with the conventional EDM plasma zone to test the hybrid process on Al-based metal matrix composites (MMCs). The machining parameters, for instance, peak current as well as duration of pulse-on were selected to nail down thereafter effects on the response parameters like the material removal rate (MRR) and the surface integrity. The experimental results show an improvement of 12.9% MRR and reduction in recast layer formation at higher spark energy in the magnetic field environment. As the experimental outcome implied that the MFAEDM imparted appreciable process stability, a highly efficient pertinent process of EDM with high quality of the machined surface could be accomplished to satisfy modern industrial applications.     

Wire electrical discharge machining characteristics of AA6061/cenosphere as-cast aluminum matrix composites

Machining of metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with low-density waste byproduct particulates using nonconventional processes is relatively new in the field of material science. However, more attention has been paid for investigations on nontraditional machining of such MMCs currently as the conventional machining may generate additional complexity. This study investigates the wire electro-discharge machining behavior of compo-casted cenosphere-reinforced AA6061 alloys. Cu₆₀Zn₄₀-coated copper wire was used as electrode material. The investigation demonstrates that melting and vaporization are the dominant machining mechanisms. The weight fraction of cenosphere was observed to be the most substantial process variables affecting the cutting rate, on-time, and the wire speed of tool were the next in the order of importance. The presence of nonconductive cenosphere particles along with thermal degradation of the aluminum matrix composites leads to degrading processed machined surface quality. The issues related to wire breakage and poor quality of the machined surface, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy are described in detail.     

Influence of drilling process parameters on hybrid vinyl ester composite

In the modern world, the use of hybrid composite becomes unavoidable. They have their unique and tailor-made properties which makes them suitable for many engineering and industrial applications. But the restriction on the use of composites arises during machining of these composites. Unlike conventional materials, machining of composites is a tedious process due to their anisotropic nature. In the current research work, the prepared high strength hybrid composite is subjected to one of the important machining process say drilling and the process parameters are optimized for the multiple output characteristics namely delamination, torque and thrust force. Taguchi technique aided with grey relational analysis is used for optimization purpose. From the experimental outcome, it is clear that the machining characteristics can be improved at optimum machining conditions. And it is also found that the diameter of the drill has the major effect on the output characteristics.     

A Power Spectrum Analysis of Surface Generation in Ultraprecision Machining of Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are well known to be difficult-to-machine materials in ultraprecision machining. To have a better insight into the physical mechanisms involved in the cutting process, a power spectrum analysis is proposed to study the surface generation in ultraprecision machining of aluminiumsilicon carbide MMCs. The results indicate that the power spectrum of a surface roughness profile is correlated well to different process parameters and mechanisms of surface generation. The findings help to formulate the optimum cutting strategy for machining the MMCs.     

A Hybrid Machining Process Combining Micro-EDM and Laser Beam Machining of Nickel–Titanium-Based Shape Memory Alloy

Micro-electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a slow process as compared to laser machining, on the contrary laser machining lacks good surface quality. To overcome the drawbacks of both these processes, this paper suggests a hybrid machining process which combines laser and micro-EDM processes for drilling microholes in advanced engineering materials such as Nickel–Titanium (Ni–Ti)-based shape memory alloy. To achieve the objective of the suggested hybrid process, pilot holes are drilled with laser machine and rimmed out by micro-EDM drilling. The suggested process requires investigation of various combinations of micro-EDM drilling process conditions to obtain optimum machining parameters for the hybrid process. It has been found that the proposed hybrid machining process resulted in 50–65% reduction in machining time without affecting the quality of microholes as compared to the standard micro-EDM process.     

Rotary Ultrasonic Machining: A Review

Rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) is a mechanical type of nontraditional hybrid machining process that has been utilized potentially to machine a wide range of latest and difficult-to-machine materials, including ductile, hard and brittle, ceramics, composites, etc. In RUM, the basic material removal phenomenon of ultrasonic machining (USM) and conventional diamond grinding amalgamates together and results in higher material removal rate (MRR), improved hole accuracy with superior surface finish. In the current article, several investigations carried out in the domain of RUM for enormous materials have been critically reviewed and reported. It also highlights several experimental and theoretical ensues of RUM to improve the process outcomes and it is reported that process performance can be substantially improved by making the right selection of machine, diamond tooling, material and operating parameters. In recent years, various investigators have explored umpteen ways to enhance the RUM process performance by probing the different factors that influence the quality attributes. Among the various accessible modifications in RUM as employed in industries, rotary ultrasonic drilling is more strongly established compared to other versions such as rotary ultrasonic side milling, face milling, grinding, surface texturing, etc. The micro machining applications of RUM have also been discussed briefly. The final section of this paper discusses RUM developments and outlines the aspects for future research.     

液态金属铸造法制备金属基复合材料的研究现状

在金属基复合材料的制备方法中,液态铸造法具有广泛的应用和发展前景.较系统地论述了颗粒、晶须和短纤维增强的金属基复合材料的液态铸造制备方法及其对材料性能的影响,探讨了液态铸造法制备金属基复合材料过程中仍然存在的问题和研究进展,展望了制备金属基复合材料的发展方向.     

Effect of Electrical Discharge Machining on strength and reliability of WC–30%Co composite

Tungsten carbide/Cobalt (WC–Co) composite is one of the important composite materials, which is used for manufacturing of cutting tools, dies and other special tools. It has very high hardness and excellent resistance to shock and wear. It is not possible to machine this material easily with conventional machining techniques. Due to the good electrical conductivity of WC–Co, it is usually machined by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). EDM process often results in the surface damage of bulk WC–Co, and the influence of the damage would affect the reliability. It is important to investigate the effect of electric discharge machining process on the properties of WC–Co cemented carbides before applying its engineering application. For these composites, maintenance of proper fracture strength is an important concern and is to be controlled. In this work, an attempt has been made to investigate the fracture strength and the reliability of EDMed WC–Co composite using the Weibull distribution analysis. The comparison of results between the machined composites and un-machined composites is carried out and presented in this study.     

Pressure infiltration processes to synthesize metal matrix composites – A review of metal matrix composites,the technology and process simulation

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) acquire their improved physical and mechanical properties through the careful reinforcement of their matrices by a variety of light but strong and stable reinforcement materials. The pressure infiltration process (PIP) is one of the most important techniques used for making MMCs with a high reinforcement content in which a molten metal or alloy is injected and solidified in a mold packed with continuous or discontinuous reinforcement materials. Several factors affect the quality of MMCs made by this process. These include, but are not limited to, the reinforcement type, preform geometry, applied pressure and pressure control, as well as the transport phenomena of the molten metal. This paper presents a review of the various aspects of MMCs, the process in terms of the technological details, the latest developments in the reinforcement materials used and the simulation models developed for pressure infiltration manufacturing of MMCs.     

Processing and ballistic performance of lightweight armors based on ultra-fine-grain aluminum composites

Over last few decades, Al-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have become a promising material of choice for lightweight armors in vehicles. Recent development in ultra-fine-grain and nanostructured material technology provides a new opportunity for the substantial strength enhancement of MMCs unattainable with the conventional microstructure of microscale, leading to significant weight reduction in armor packages. In this article, we will present the latest development of a novel class of nanostructured metal matrix composites (NMMCs) based on submicron SiC particulates reinforced nanocrystalline Al alloys. The successful fabrication of large-dimension NMMCs plates with a cost-effective synthesis and consolidation process that can be scaled up for mass production will be demonstrated. The microstructure, processing, mechanical properties, and their correlations of this class of NMMCs will also be reported. The ballistic performance of the NMMCs is investigated through a real test of high-speed machinegun bullets, and a numerical modeling as well.     

Thermal residual stresses in metal matrix composites: A review

Recently, metal matrix composites (MMCs) have generated a considerable interest in the materials field because of their attractive physical and mechanical properties. However, during the fabrication of MMCs, thermal residual stresses are reportedly developed in the matrix as a result of the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients between the reinforcement and the matrix. It is well established that these residual stresses have a significant effect on the composite properties. For example, due to the presence of thermal residual stresses, it is almost never possible to achieve the maximum elastic response of the composites. In addition, yield stress and fracture toughness of the composites are significantly affected by thermal residual stresses. In this paper, a critical review of the published literature on thermal residual stresses in MMCs and their effect on composite properties are presented. Also, experimental and numerical techniques that are currently available to measure and estimate thermal residual stresses are reviewed and discussed.     

Machining of aluminium based metal matrix composites

Although metal matrix composites (MMCs) are generally regarded as extremely difficult to machine, it is also acknowledged that their machining behaviour is not fully understood. The work reviewed here confirms this widely held view but also suggests that the machinability of these materials can be improved by appropriate selection of the reinforcing phase, its volume fraction, size, and morphology as well as the composition and hardness of the matrix material. Cemented carbide tools can be used to machine some of the less abrasive materials at slow speeds but if higher production rates are required or the more abrasive materials are to be machined, polycrystalline diamond tooling is required.     

Polymer reinforcement of cement systems

In the last couple of decades several cement- and concrete-based composites have come into prominence. Of these, cement-polymer composites, like cement-fibre composites, have been recognised as very promising, and considerable research and development on their properties, fabrication methods and application are in progress. Of the three types of concrete materials which incorporate polymers to form composites, polymer impregnated concrete forms a major development in which hardened concrete is impregnated with a liquid monomer which is subsequently polymerized to form a rigid polymer network in the pores of the parent material. In this first part of the extensive review of the polymer reinforcement of cement systems, the process technology of the various monomer impregnation techniques and the properties of the impregnated composite are assessed critically. It is shown that the high durability and superior performance of polymer impregnated concrete can provide an economic and competitive alternative inin situ strengthening, and in other areas where conventional concrete can only at best provide adequate performance.     

金属基复合材料发展的挑战与机遇

装备技术的升级换代和转型为材料研发带来了前所未有的挑战,金属基复合材料(MMCs)具有极好的可设计性,可迎接这种挑战。有效地利用不同性质、形态、尺度的无机非金属及碳等材料作为MMCS增强体,可为其获得丰富的性能与功能,这是MMCs的未来发展趋势和机遇。简要介绍了笔者在MMCs设计研究中的几项尝试经验和实例,包括自润滑功能性界面设计、非烧蚀功能性设计、材料高温恒刚度性能设计、地磁屏蔽结构-功能一体化设计和高强韧固溶体界面设计,证明了MMCs性能与功能设计的有效性。