Machinability of bronze–alumina composite with tungsten carbide cutting tool insert

Bronze–alumina metal matrix composites have been attracting the interest of researchers in recent years, as they have many advantageous characteristics. The mechanical properties of the bronze–alumina composite are improved by the addition of alumina in the matrix. In this present work, bronze was reinforced with 10 wt% alumina particles. The bronze–alumina composite was prepared by stir-casting method. Preheated alumina particles were introduced into the vortex of the molten alloy created by a rotating impeller. Machining studies were conducted on bronze and bronze–alumina composite using tungsten carbide cutting tool insert. The flank wear of the carbide tools on machining bronze–alumina composite is higher than on machining bronze because of the abrasive characteristics of alumina. The cutting force during machining of bronze is lower when compared to that on machining bronze–alumina composite. The bronze exhibited slightly better surface finish than bronze–alumina composite.