Effect of cutting speed on tool performance in milling of B4Cp reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites

In this study, wear behavior of various tools in milling process of Al-4Cu/B4Cp composites was investigated. For this purpose, composite samples were produced by liquid phase sintering to be used in milling operation. Five different cutting speeds at a constant feed rate of 0.20 mm/z were used in order to determine the effect of cutting speed on tool wear and tool wear mechanism in milling of these composites. Milling operations were continued until flank wear limit (VB)=0.3 mm was attained for each tool. Flank wear was determined by using optical microscopy whereas wear mechanisms were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results brought out that triple coated tool showed the highest wear resistance at all cutting speeds. In addition lower cutting speeds yielded lower tool wear for all tools.