Machinability Study on Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) using Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
Manyam Chidvilas1, Raj Mohan R2, S. Raghuraman3
1Manyam Chidvilas, School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), India.
2Raj Mohan R, School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), India.
3Dr. S. Raghuraman, School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), India.
Manuscript received on 19 May 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 05 June 2019 | Manuscript Published on 15 June 2019 | PP: 41-50 | Volume-8 Issue-1S2 May 2019 | Retrieval Number: A00090581S219/2019©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: In today’s world of manufacturing, aluminum metal matrix composites are playing a vital role in enhancing the properties of different automobile and aircraft components. The post-production processing of the Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) is comparatively tricky because of dispersion of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix. One such processing method for machining the Al-SiC metal matrix composite to produce acceptable output properties is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Generally, when abrasive particulates such as SiC are dispersed in the aluminum matrix, it is challenging to follow conventional machining operations due to high tool wear rate, frequent mechanical shocks on the tool and effects like delamination on the workpiece where the unconventional machining process like EDM is used since there is no direct contact between tool and the workpiece. In this paper, a unique powder metallurgy approach is attempted for fabricating four different compositions (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% of SiC) of Al-SiC composite and machinability study is carried out through EDM to reveal the effect of SiC particles on machinability of Al-SiC composite. The experimental investigation is made on EDM input parameters like a pulse on time, pulse off time and current, and their influence on machinability of Al-SiC composite is analyzed. The output results like Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface Roughness are obtained for different compositions of Al-SiC composite, and its influencing input parameters are observed.
Keywords: EDM, MMC, MRR, Surface Roughness.
Scope of the Article: Composite Materials