The term Thermal Enhanced Machining refers to a conventional cutting process in which an external energy source is used to enhance the chip-generation mechanism. The work presented here analyzes the basic aspects and the experimental results obtained when applying an assisting plasma jet to the milling process. This process, known as PAM (Plasma Assisted Milling) has been applied to the machining of three very low machinability materials: a Ni-base alloy (Inconel 718), a Co-base alloy (Haynes 25), (both belonging to the group of the heat-resistant alloys) and the Ti-base alloy Ti6Al4V. The study focuses on two major topics. First, the efficiency of the milling operation in terms of cutting speed, feed, axial and radial depths of cut and the plasma operating parameters has been addressed. Second, a study on the alterations of the metallurgical structure and the properties of materials after the PAM has also been performed. The process conditions for the above-mentioned Ni-base and Co-base alloys are detailed. The study under these conditions has shown an excellent performance of the whisker reinforced ceramic tools. In fact, cutting speeds as high as 970 m/min and large radial and axial depths of cuts are possible, driving to a cost-effective machining process. The absence of changes in the metallurgical structure of the alloys after applying the PAM process is also addressed. Therefore, it can be stated that this is a feasible approach to the optimization of the machining process of heat-resistant alloys. Finally, the results obtained in the PAM of Ti6Al4V are detailed. In this experimentation, a certain level of degradation was observed in the microstructure of the alloy when undergoing the PAM process, therefore the use of this technique is not recommended for this material.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Technical Papers
Plasma Assisted Milling of Heat-Resistant Superalloys
L. N. Lo´pez de Lacalle,
L. N. Lo´pez de Lacalle
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
Search for other works by this author on:
J. A. Sa´nchez,
J. A. Sa´nchez
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
Search for other works by this author on:
A. Lamikiz,
A. Lamikiz
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
Search for other works by this author on:
A. Celaya
A. Celaya
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
Search for other works by this author on:
L. N. Lo´pez de Lacalle
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
J. A. Sa´nchez
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
A. Lamikiz
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
A. Celaya
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, Alameda de Urquijo s/n. 48013 Bilbao
Contributed by the Manufacturing Engineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. Manuscript received July 2003. Associate Editor: Yung C. Shin.
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. May 2004, 126(2): 274-285 (12 pages)
Published Online: July 8, 2004
Article history
Received:
July 1, 2003
Online:
July 8, 2004
Citation
Lo´pez de Lacalle , L. N., Sa´nchez , J. A., Lamikiz , A., and Celaya , A. (July 8, 2004). "Plasma Assisted Milling of Heat-Resistant Superalloys ." ASME. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. May 2004; 126(2): 274–285. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1644548
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Highlights of the DARPA Advanced Machining Research Program
J. Eng. Ind (November,1985)
Directionally Independent Failure Prediction of End-Milling Tools During Pocketing Maneuvers
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng (August,2007)
Performance Evaluation of Additively Manufactured and Hybrid Indexable Milling Tools in Machining of AISI4140+QT and Ti-6Al-4V
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (March,2024)
A Geometrical Simulation System of Ball End Finish Milling Process and Its Application for the Prediction of Surface Micro Features
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng (February,2006)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Cutting Performance and Wear Mechanism of Cutting Tool in Milling of High Strength Steel 34CrNiMo6
Proceedings of the 2010 International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technologies (MIMT 2010)
Relationship Between Tool Deterioration and Cutting Force During Milling of a Nickel-Based Superalloy Using Cemented Carbide Tool
Advances in Multidisciplinary Engineering
Accuracy of an Axis
Mechanics of Accuracy in Engineering Design of Machines and Robots Volume I: Nominal Functioning and Geometric Accuracy