Applicability of Interrupted Micro Cutting Process “Tilling” as Surface Texturing

Tribological properties of textured surfaces fabricated using a discontinuous microcutting process were investigated. Aluminum cast alloy (AC8A) discs were used for the specimens. The texturing process was carried out using a CNC machining center with a cutting edge with a novel geometry. The resulting surface morphology consisted of micro dimples with a diameter of 200-300 μm and a depth of 5-10 μm, with controlled area fractions of 10 and 40% and a top region finished with a milling cut. The tribological properties were evaluated using a ring-on-disc type testing apparatus under lubricated conditions, and showed that the friction coefficient of the textured surfaces was low and stable from the beginning of the experiment. A dependence of the friction coefficient on the area fraction was also found. Further reductions in the friction coefficient were achieved on a textured surface with a polished top region. It can be concluded that the proposed discontinuous micro cutting process is an effective means of fabricating a micro texture for the reduction and stabilization of frictional resistance.