Ductile-regime machining model for diamond turning of brittle materials

A new machining model has been developed for single point diamond turning of brittle materials. Experiments using the interrupted cutting method allow model parameters to be determined that provide a quantitative method for determining the machinability of a material with respect to the rake angle, tool nose radius and machining environment. The model uses two parameters, the critical depth of cut and the subsurface damage depth, to characterize the ductile-regime material removal process. Also included in the model is a parameter used to set a process limit defined as the maximum feed rate. Machining experiments have verified the model, and allow for determination of optimum machining conditions.