Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The application of light weight products used for automobile needs to require the use of Al metal matrix composites (MMCs). The optimized combination of process variables has been found to accomplish for better machining.

Methods/statistical analysis: There is different type of machining methods used for machining of MMC but it is not so easy to machine these materials with full efficiency and desired output responses because of difficult to machine these materials as compared to other unreinforced materials like alloys and smart materials. The main reason behind hardness of aluminum MMCs is heterogeneous structure which makes its surface layer with high fatigue strength, smooth, and tough. L₉ orthogonal array has been used to perform the experiments.

Findings: The effect of parameters has been calculated and analyzed for response analysis. The effect of various machining parameters like wire diameter, current, voltage, pulse on time, and pulse off time is observed and analyzed on surface properties of the Al–SiC MMCs. As a result of compressive residual stress on the surface that is a plus point for material to use it for tough work, but along with this it will cause high tool wear and surface imperfections while machining, so these are some reasons for the recommendation of non-conventional machining methods to machine aluminum matrix composites. So, several new techniques were added in some past few years of research which is explained in this research article.

Application/improvements: Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) which is an advanced machining method which is used for manufacture difficult shapes conductive work piece materials. Experimental work will be done on the WEDM of Al–SiC MMC.

Keywords: Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Al–SiC, Surface Roughness, Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM), Surface Integrity, Taguchi’s Method, Response and Regression Analysis.