Performance Evaluation and Experimental Investigations in Turning of Iron Based A286 Nickel Alloy under Various Machining Conditions

The advancement of materials in the last few decades has guided the development of many hard-to-machine materials, such as superalloys. These alloys have poor machinability characteristics.  This paper examines the machinability performance characteristics of Iron-based A286 Nickel superalloy by varying the turning process parameters using uncoated and physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated inserts. Experiments were performed with an L16 orthogonal array using minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) machining and dry machining environments. The accomplishment of the turning process was evaluated in reference to the cutting forces and surface roughness. Optimum turning parameters to decrease the surface roughness and cutting forces using MQL and dry machining environments with PVD-coated and uncoated tools were found using analysis of means methodology. Results have indicated that feed rate would greatly influence surface roughness when using the uncoated tool in dry and MQL machining circumstances. The depth of cut would affect cutting force and feed force more using uncoated tool and PVD coated tool with MQL and dry machining environments. Tool wear results have revealed that PVD coated tool inserts by MQL machining would result in less tool wear than uncoated tools. Regression models were developed from the experimental outcomes to predict the performance characteristics. The coefficient of determination observed was more than 98%.