Experiment Research on Cutting Performance of High Volume Fraction SiCp/Al Composites in Rotary Ultrasonic Machining

High volume fraction silicon carbide particulate reinforced aluminum matrix (SiCp/Al) composite are new class of difficult-to-machine materials due to their high strength. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the machinability of 60 vol% SiCp/Al composites by comparing the rotary ultrasonic milling method with the conventional machining method. The test scheme is designed, and the measurement method of the cutting force, surface roughness and morphology are illustrated. Based on the constructed experimental platform, the influences of machining parameters, such as cutting speed, feed rate and cut depth, on the cutting force and surface roughness are discussed. The experimental results show that ultrasonic machining is an effective method for machining high volume fraction SiCp/Al.