Machining and fluidity of 356Al/SiC(p) composites

The fluidity and machining of 365A1/0-20 wt.% SiC composites is discussed. Experimental result shows that non-uniformity arises when the content of th e particulate reinforcement is increased. Using an are fluidity mold can pr event particulates from settling, and the fluidity length is shortened with an increase of SiC particulate content. When using a spiral mold. SiC part iculates tend to settle in the gate and the runner. Therefore. the fluidity length does not change with a SiC particulate content, except for 20%. Inc reasing the SiC particulate content results in an increase of hardness. fla nk wear and roughness. When the SiC particulate content is the same, cuttin g at cryogenic temperature can reduce the chip length, flank wear and rough ness. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.