Influence of XHV-adequate atmosphere on surface integrity

Abstract In aerospace engineering, high temperature alloys such as titanium are the preferred choice. However, machining of such materials remains a major challenge due to high process forces and process temperatures. Currently, machining is performed almost entirely in the presence of oxygen. This results in a process-inherent oxidation of the metal surface, which leads to higher tool wear during machining. By means of an oxygen-free machining undesirable oxidation reactions will be avoided and thus results in an extension of tool life. In addition, oxygen-free machining in an extreme high vacuum (XHV) adequate environment can influence the resulting workpiece surface and subsurface properties due to change in process forces and chip formation. In the present work, the influence of machining under air and XHV-adequate atmosphere is examined with regard to chip formation, workpiece surface topography and residual stresses. Significant differences can be seen in resulting surface integrity depending on the machining atmosphere.