EFFECT OF CUTTING FLUID ON THE MACHINABILITY OF METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

This paper utilizes models for cumulative tool wear to study the effec t of cutting fluid on the machinability of aluminum-based matrix compo sites reinforced with SiC or Al2O3 particles. Pressurized cutting flui d neither improves nor worsens the tool life because of either effecti ve flushing of the chips or lack of a lubricating film. The surface fi nish and the cutting forces are insensitive to cutting fluid and cutti ng speed when machining with a new diamond tool, but deteriorate with greater tool wear. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.