Microstructure, Microhardness and Machining Characteristics of Al6063-SiC Composites

Machining of materials is an important operation in the manufacturing industry to develop different structures. Compared with metals and alloys, metal matrix composites (MMCs) respond differently during machining due to the presence of different phases possessing different physical and mechanical properties. In the present study, machining behavior of Al6063-SiC composites has been investigated to assess the role of dispersing phase on machining characteristics. Composites with varying SiC content (4% and 8% by Wt.) were produced by stir casting. From the micro structural studies, decreased grain size was observed with increased SiC dispersion. Higher hardness was measured for the composite with 4% SiC. From the machining studies during turning experiments, the variations within the cutting forces was found to be higher for the composites compared with the base material. Cutting forces were also measured as increased with the increase of SiC dispersion. From the results, it can be understood that the presence of SiC significantly influence the machining behavior of Al6063-SiC composites which is a valid factor must be considered while performing turning operations.