Investigations on surface microstructure in high-speed milling of Zr-based bulk metallic glass

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are a relatively new group of metallic alloys with amorphous microstructure. BMGs have been increasingly used in industrial applications due to their high strength and high corrosion resistance. The microstructural evolution and the surface generation mechanisms in machining of BMGs and crystalline metal alloys are substantially different. This paper presents the investigations on surface microstructure and progressive tool wear in high-speed milling of Zr-based BMG. The crystallization of originally amorphous BMG material caused by the milling process was examined. The microstructure properties of BMG at amorphous and crystalline phases were determined. The effect of coolant on the progressive tool wear and the constituent element changes of BMG was investigated. The results provide new and comprehensive information on surface microstructure property in response to high-speed milling of Zr-BMG, and can guide the process planning in achieving desired surface property in milling of Zr-BMG components.