Turning and drilling of NiTi shape memory alloys

Shape memory alloys based on NiTi have a high potential for a large variety of applications. This functional material is very difficult to machine because of its high ductility, its different shape memory properties in dependence on temperature and the strong work hardening when this material is deformed. This paper presents the process design for producing a pipe coupling from NiTiNb. The design is based on experiments regarding turning and drilling of the intermetallic compound NiTi. The influence of the cutting tool material on the machining process was evaluated. As a result of the experiments, the metal removal rate was increased significantly and the tool life could be extended while at the same time ensuring a high work piece quality.