Effect of machining parameters on average surface roughness Ra while turning hybrid Mg-MMC-An experimental approach

Hybrid metal matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC_p), alumina (Al₂O_3p) and graphite (Gr_p) are being preferred for industrial applications due to their lightweight, and lower densities of these combined materials and high strength at the molecular level. These developed hybrid composite materials have been utilized in the wide range of applications in automotive and aerospace industries. The manufacturing industries that are utilizing the hybrid Mg-MMC also go through the machining turning operations for application products. Therefore, it is very important for machining the hybrid Mg-MMC for the desired dimensional accuracy. The present experimental research was therefore aimed at investigating the average surface roughness height R_a while turning the hybrid Mg-MMC using the CCMT 09 T3 08 WF 1525 tungsten carbide insert. The machining parameters includes the cutting speed was 40 m/min, 80 m/min and 120 m/min, the feed rate was 0.08 mm/rev, 0.2 mm/rev, 0.4 mm/rev and the depth of cut was 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. The average surface roughness height R_a was measured using surfcom 130A (profilometer). Experimental investigation found that the average surface roughness height R_a was lower at a high cutting speed and at a lower feed rate. In addition, the built-up edges were formed at a lower feed rate with all cutting speed values. (paper)