Machining alloys to their best finish requires understanding and implementing practical tools and machinery.
Alloys have become among the most highly sought metals for specific performance requirements. The recent leaps in their development were driven by an increase in demand for application in high-performance automotive parts, aircraft components, jet engine turbine blades, disks, and any significant part meant to withstand a high-temperature environment.
Alloys have been known for their excellent mechanical properties, like their strength and resistance to high pressure and excessive operating temperatures. They also demonstrate increased resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Alloy Composition
Alloys generally consist of metals and other elements. They are a combination of metallic bonds. The alloying of different metals and elements helps reduce the material’s overall cost while preserving important properties. This has paved the way to imparting synergistic properties to metals, such as resistance to corrosion and oxidation, creep resistance at high operating temperatures, brittleness, flexibility, and mechanical strength. Steels and brass are just a few such alloys that are highly in demand.
Machining Alloys
Alloys have several classifications, as moderate to difficult when machined, but conventional production methods can effectively machine them at satisfactory rates. In machining alloys, the high shear strengths allow the work to resist hardening rapidly, heat generated during cutting, and high resistance for optimal metal removal. Precision machining of alloys can be possible by understanding the fundamental principles. Rigid and productive machines are essential for success in machining and can keep operations at excellent quality.
What to consider for precision machining:
Alloy Capacity
- The nature of the alloys must is important since the course of machining will depend on it. The strength, composition, grade, and all other relevant properties would be best. Feed, tooling, speed, and depth of cut are crucial factors that will allow you to determine what machinery to use.
Tooling
- Tooling should be appropriately selected to minimize cutting forces, withstanding the highest possible operating temperatures, and obtain maximum edge strength. The characteristics of the alloys are important to note in the selection of tools. When cutting, high-speed devices should be used. Consistent tooling change and re-sharpening are critical, as tools quickly dull during the process. Here are Tips for Purchasing Tool Steel.
Drilling
- Drilling large holes and tapping require sturdy, heavy-duty machinery. Implementing CNC machines that use the same speeds can be effective in boring, facing, and turning for specific alloys.
Lubrication/Coolant
- The lubrication process, or the application of coolants to all operations, is essential to reduce the risk of fire and combustion. It is necessary to control the build-up of heat to avoid incidents.
If you need grinding solutions for your alloys or parts, contact Advance Grinding to assist with your needs or get a free quote!
