Influence of Material on Machinability
Machinability can be described as the ease with which a material can be worked with a cutting tool in order to create a desired shape and form. Machinability is an important factor to consider when selecting a material for a certain application. The machinability of a material is largely dependent on the properties of the material itself, the cutting tool that is being used, and the machining parameters that have been selected.
The properties of the material have an important effect on the overall machinability of the material. The hardness, strength, ductility and chemical composition have a direct effect on the material behaviour during cutting. Harder materials usually require more energy and/or longer durations to be machined and will therefore decrease the machinability of the material. Similarly, materials that are strong and ductile can also reduce the machinability of the material as they can resist the cutting forces and may cause the cutting tool to fail. The chemical composition can also have an effect on the machinability of a material, as certain elements are more prone to heat build up.
The cutting tool that is used can also have an effect on the machinability of a material. The cutting tool material must be able to withstand the cutting forces and temperature without failing, otherwise the machinability will be greatly diminished. The geometry of the cutting tool is also important, as the right cutting angle will determine how efficiently the cutting can be done.
Finally, the machining parameters that have been selected can have an important effect on the machinability of a material. The cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and cutting fluid are all important parameters that can influence the machinability of a material. Generally, higher cutting speeds and feed rates can increase the machinability of a material, while too high of a cutting speed or feed rate can cause the cutting tool to fail.
In conclusion, there are a variety of factors that can influence the machinability of a material. It is important to select the right material and cutting tool for a given application and to understand how the machining parameters can affect the machinability. By understanding how the material, cutting tool and machining parameters can influence the machinability of a material, designers and engineers can help make sure that they select a material that is suitable for their application and achieve the desired outcome.
