Tool wear and machinability investigations in dry turning of Cu/Mo-SiCp hybrid composites

Composites are a unique class of materials extensively used in many modern applications such as aerospace, automobile, and marine applications. However, the high strength and hardness, low thermal expansion, and other physical properties limit its application in machining sector. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different machining parameters on surface roughness, tool wear, cutting temperature, and chip formation while turning Cu/Mo-SiCp composites. The copper composites reinforced with Mo-SiCp were fabricated with powder metallurgy route and depth of cut (ap), feed rate (fn), and cutting speed (Vc) were selected as the machining parameters. Influence of each parameter was noticed with 3D surface plots and scanning electron microscope observations were used for wear analysis. At the end of the analysis, it was determined that the most important parameter affecting surface roughness, tool wear, and cutting temperature was particle additive ratio. In addition, it was observed that chip types and wear types changed according to increasing reinforcement rates.