Machinability of magnesium and aluminium alloys. Part I: cutting resistance

Aluminium (2.7 g/cm3) and magnesium (1.7 g/cm3) are two competing light metals with similar mechanical properties and excellent possibilities for recycling. The forming of magnesium is often seen as an impediment to its use. New forming techniques using magnesium shavings are being developed, particularly in Japan. The machining of magnesium alloys by removal of metal raises safety concerns (risk of fire), which limits many potential applications of magnesium. The purpose of this work is to clarify and compare the machining properties of these two types of metal and better understand the mechanisms that may explain the differences in behaviour. Such a comparison could eventually provide an estimate of the cost of producing shavings for the manufacture of aluminium and magnesium parts through forging and extrusion, which would limit environmental pollution. Based on an analysis of cutting resistance during machining, it was demonstrated that magnesium alloys are easier to machine than similar aluminium alloys. Magnesium shavings are shorter than those of 6061-T6, but are especially more regular than those of A356, and their size is independent of cutting speed. It was also demonstrated that the fragility of materials can be characterized based on the results of cutting resistance produced during drilling