Tool Wear and Surface Roughness in Turning of Metal Matrix Composite Built of Al2O3 Sinter Saturated by Aluminum Alloy in Vacuum Condition

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are a special class of materials carrying combined properties that belongs to alloys and metals according to market demands. Therefore, they are used in different areas of industry, and the properties of this type of material are useful in engineering applications. Machining of such composites is of great importance to finalize the fabrication process with improved part quality. However, the process implies several challenges due to the complexity of the cutting processes and random material structure. The current study aims to examine machinability characteristics. Effects of turning a metal matrix composite built of Al2O3 sinter, saturated with an EN AC-44000 AC-AlSi11 alloy, are presented in this paper. In the present study, a turning process of new metal matrix composites was carried out to determine the state-of-the-art material for various engineering applications. During the turning process, the cutting forces, a tool’s wear, and surface roughness were investigated. Further, the SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis of cutting inserts was performed. The influence of MMC structure on the machining process and surface roughness was studied. The Al2O3 reinforcements were used in different graininess. Effects of conventional turning of the metal matrix composite with Al2O3 sinter of FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives) 046 and FEPA 100 grade were compared. Results analysis of these tests showed the necessity of continuing research on turning metal matrix composites built of an AlSi alloy and Al2O3 ceramic reinforcement. The study showed the properties of MMCs that influenced machinability. In this paper, the influence of feed rate’s value on surface roughness was carried out. The significant tool wear during the turning of the MMC was proved.