Surface integrity in material removal processes: Recent advances

Nickel-based super alloys are gaining more significance, now-a-days, with extensive applications in aerospace, marine, nuclear reactor and chemical industries. Several characteristics including superior mechanical and chemical properties at elevated temperature, high toughness and ductility, high melting point, excellent resistance to corrosion, thermal shocks, thermal fatigue and erosion are primarily responsible for wide domain of application. Nevertheless, machined surface integrity of nickel-based super alloys is a critical aspect which influences functional performance including fatigue life of the component. This review paper presents state-of-the-art on various surface integrity characteristics during machining of nickel-based super alloys. Influence of various cutting parameters, cutting environment, coating, wear and edge geometry of cutting tools on different features of surface integrity has been critically explained. These characteristics encompass surface roughness, defects (surface cavities, metal debris, plucking, smeared material, redeposited material, cracked carbide particles, feed marks, grooves and laps), metallurgical aspects in the form of surface and sub-surface microstructure phase transformation, dynamic recrystallisation and grain refinement and mechanical characteristics such as work hardening and residual stress. Microstructural modification of deformed layer, profile of residual stresses and their influence on fatigue durability have been given significant emphasis. Future research endeavour might focus on development of new grades, advanced processing techniques of the same to ensure their superior stability of microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties along with advanced manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing to achieve highest level of fatigue durability of safety critical components while maintaining acceptable surface integrity and productivity.

State-of-the-art in surface integrity in machining of nickel-based super alloys

This paper presents an overview of the past research on Surface Integrity (SI) studies in the context of machined components from a range of work materials including stainless steels, Ni and Ti alloys, hardened steels for dies and moulds, bearings and automotive applications. Typical surface alterations such as phase transformations, microhardness and residual stress are discussed and correlated with the functional performance of the machined products. A summary of past and current modelling efforts is then presented along with projections for developing predictive models for SI and means for enhancing product sustainability in terms of its functional performance. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: M'Saoubi, R., Outeiro, J.C., Chandrasekaran, H., Dillon Jr., O.W. and Jawahir, I.S. (2008) 'A review of surface integrity in machining and its impact on functional performance and life of machined products', Int. J. Sustainable Manufacturing, Vol. 1, Nos. 1/2, pp.203-236.

A review of surface integrity in machining and its impact on functional performance and life of machined products

The formation mechanisms and properties of white layers produced in machining of hardened steels are not clearly understood to date. In particular, detailed analysis of their structure and mechanical properties is lacking. This paper investigates the differences in structure and properties of white layers formed during machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel (62 HRC) at different cutting speeds. A combination of experimental techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nano-indentation are used to analyze the white layers formed. TEM results suggest that white layers produced at low-to-moderate cutting speeds are in large part due to grain refinement induced by severe plastic deformation, whereas white layer formation at high cutting speeds is mainly due to thermally-driven phase transformation. The white layers at all speeds are found to be comprised of very fine (nano-scale) grains compared to the bulk material. XRD-based residual stress and retained austenite measurements, and hardness data support these findings.

Analysis of white layers formed in hard turning of AISI 52100 steel

The process of cryogenic machining, due to increased demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, has seen a growing interest in the machining community. This article presents an overview of cryogenic machining and its induced surface integrity characteristics such as surface roughness, topography, grain refinement and machining-induced layer, microhardness, phase transformation, residual stress and fatigue life in machining of various materials including difficult-to-machine materials, aerospace alloys, lightweight materials, etc. The effect of cryogenic machining on surface integrity characteristics is discussed, and compared with dry, Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL), and flood-cooled machining processes. In addition to being an environmentally friendly process, this study shows that cryogenic machining significantly contributes to improved functional performance of machined components through its superior and more desirable surface integrity characteristics.

Cryogenic Machining-Induced Surface Integrity: A Review and Comparison with Dry, MQL, and Flood-Cooled Machining

White layers (WLs) produced in hard steels by machining have been characterized using nanoindentation, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction. The WL is found to have a hardness of 12.85±0.80 GPa, which is significantly greater than that of untempered martensite produced by various heat-treatment processes. The grain size in the WL is shown to be in the submicrometer range with values ranging, typically, between 30 and 500 nm. These two characteristics of the WL distinguish it from various structures formed in steels by heat treatment. The formation of WLs is promoted by conditions of moderate to high cutting speed in conjunction with tool flank wear. Based on a consideration of the strain, stress, and temperature states associated with the formation of WLs in machining, it is hypothesized that deformation of material to very large strains is the principal factor contributing to the formation of these layers with ultrafine grained or nanocrystalline structures. The large strain deformation and elevated temperatures prevailing in the machining zone could also trigger dynamic recrystallization or cause decomposition and partial dissolution of the cementite present in the steels.

H. T. Y. Yang

Papers

Formation of white layers in steels by machining and their characteristics