Material microstructure affected machining: a review

The machining induced material microstructure evolution path is determined from the temperature and mechanical loading history. Inversely, the machining forces and machined part surface integrity are dependent on the material microstructure attributes. Most of the previous research work with a microstructure consideration in machining stays largely on the experimental observation stage. A comprehensive thermal-mechanical-microstructure coupled machining process modeling framework is still missing. This paper reviews the recent research work on the material microstructure evolution in the context of machining components. The material microstructure property change on the workpiece material in the machining process are analyzed. The effects of material microstructure evolution on workpiece mechanical properties and surface integrity are investigated. It is concluded that a physical based material microstructure affected machining model is needed for the machining process optimization.