Machinability of Elongated Coarse Grain Fe-Based Superalloys

Abstract

□  In conventional metal cutting process, materials are assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic structure. However, some materials with a single crystal or coarse elongated polycrystalline demonstrate strong anisotropic behavior in physical and mechanical properties in machining of some superalloy materials. The anisotropic structure always leads to variation at machinability properties of the material. In this study, machinability properties of ferritic superalloy PM2000, which had elongated a few coarse grains, were investigated. These properties were determined by investigation of chip formation, cutting forces and surface roughness. Machinability was assessed by single-point turning on a CNC lathe and turning forces were measured by using a Kistler Lathe Dynamometer. The chip formation mechanisms in machining of PM2000 at various cutting speeds were determined by using a quick-stop device (QSD). Chip roots and machined surfaces were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the machinability properties of the PM2000 were changed by orientated coarse grain structure. Three types chip formation mechanism were determined at the same cutting conditions. Also, surface roughness on the machined each grain changed with changing the grain to be cut. Surface roughness and force fluctuations decreased with increasing the cutting speed; however, tool wearing increased.

Keywords:

• Machinability
• Superalloy
• Anisotropy
• Chip formation
• Cutting forces
• Tool wear

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This article is dedicated to the memory of Bayram Aydin, who was a research assistant at Gazi University.