Optimization of Machining Parameters in Al-Si-Gr Composite Developed Through Stir Casting

Abstract

Aluminum composites with reinforcement are likely to overcome the cost barrier for wide spread applications in automotive and small engine applications. Aluminum based metal matrix composites MMC offer potential for advanced structural applications. In the present work, aluminum-alloy-silicon -graphite composites were developed using a stir casting technique. These materials are known as the difficult to machines materials, because of the hardness and abrasive nature of reinforcement elements. In this study, homogenized graphite was added as a reinforcement material in aluminum-Silicon alloy and the composite thus developed is used for experimental investigation of MRR and surface roughness. Carbide cutting tool were used at different cutting speeds 120,160,200 and 240 m/mm, feed rates 0.05,0.10,0.15,and0.2 mm/rev and depths of cut 0.2,0.3,0.4 and 0.5 mm. It was observed that the surface roughness was influenced much by the cutting speed and feed rate. Depth of cut had a lesser effect with respect to the surface roughness.