Machining alloys to their best finish requires a great understanding and the implementation of effective tools and machinery.
Alloys have become one of 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 high resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Alloy Composition
Alloys are generally composed of metals and other elements. They are mixed together in a metallic bond. The alloying of different metals and elements helps to reduce the overall cost of the material while preserving important properties. This has paved the way to imparting synergistic properties to metals such as the resistance to corrosion and oxidation, creep resistance at high operating temperatures, brittleness, ductility, and mechanical strength. Steels and brass are just a few of such alloys that are high in demand in the market.
Machining Alloys
Alloys are typically classified as moderate to difficult when machined, but there are conventional production methods that 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 readily accomplished 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 be taken into account since the course of machining will depend on it. You must consider the strength, composition, grade, and all other relevant properties. Feed, tooling, speed, and depth-of-cut are also crucial factors that will allow you to determine what machinery to use in the job.
Tooling
- Tooling should be selected properly for minimizing cutting forces, withstanding the highest possible operating temperatures, and obtaining maximum edge strength. The characteristics of the alloys are to be considered in the selection of tools. When cutting, high-speed tools should be used. Consistent tooling change and re-sharpening are critical, as tools dull fairly quickly during the process. Here are Tips for Purchasing Tool Steel.
Drilling
- Drilling large holes and tapping require sturdy, heavy-duty machinery. The implementation of 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 highly necessary to reduce the risk of fire and combustion. It is important to control the build-up of heat to avoid incidents.
If you need grinding solutions for your alloys, or any of your parts, contact Advance Grinding to assist your needs or to get a free quote!
