Evaluation of the Surface Integrity when Machining LM6 Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Using Coated and Uncoated Carbide Cutting Tools

Metal matrix composite is composite material that combines the metallic properties of matrix alloys and additional element to reinforce the product. This paper evaluates the machining performance of uncoated carbide and coated carbide in terms of surface integrity during end milling of LM6 aluminium MMC. The parameter of cutting speed, feed rate and axial depth of cut were kept constant at 3000 rpm spindle speed, 60 mm/min feed rate and 0.5 axial dept of cut. The radial depth of cut were varied from 0.01mm to 0.1 mm. The results indicated that uncoated carbide show the better performance in terms of surface roughness and surface profile, as compared to coated carbide. On the other hand, coated carbide cutting tools suffered with built-up-edge formation at the tool edge, hence caused shearing effect and deterioration at the tool-chip interface. This study is expected to provide understanding of machining metal matrix composites based materials.