An Experimental Approach to Machinability Testing

This paper presents the results of statistically designed machinability tests for single point turning of aluminum casting alloys using several different cutting tool materials.

A methodology is presented which is aimed at providing machinability data for both performance comparisons over a wide range of machining conditions and individual process modeling and optimization.

Anew type of graphical summary is used to display machining performance in terms of wear rate, tool life, surface roughness and surface integrity to enable the process planner to analyze the trade-offs in cutting condition selection. Performance predictions for several tools and materials are presented and discussed.