Abstract
Metal matrix composite (MMC) materials are increasingly used in industrial sectors such as energy, structural, aerospace, and automotive. This is due to the improvement of properties by the addition of reinforcements. Thus, it is possible to obtain properties of higher strength, better rigidity, controlled thermal expansion, and elevated wear resistance. However, due to the extreme hardness achieved during their manufacture, these composites pose a challenge to the conventional machining industry due to the rapid deterioration experienced by cutting tools. This article therefore proposes the use of an unconventional machining method that is becoming increasingly widely used: abrasive water jet cutting. This process is characterized by high production rates, absence of wear, and environmental friendliness, among other advantages. Experimental tests were carried out in order to analyze results that minimize the formation of defects in the machining of metal matrix composite consisting of aluminium matrix with silicon carbide (Al-SiC MMC). To this end, results were analyzed using Scanning Optical and Electron Microscope (SOM/SEM) techniques, the taper angle was calculated, and areas with different surface quality were detected by measuring the roughness.
Highlights
The transport sector is one of the main contributors to environmental pollution, second only to the energy sector
The high configuration capacity of polymeric composite materials is transferable to the Metal matrix composite (MMC), where it is possible to control the quantity and type of reinforcements in order to design their mechanical and thermal properties [6]. These excellent characteristics are responsible for the difficulties that arise during the shaping of these materials in processes such as machining that attempt to adjust the part to the final geometry [6]
There have been studies on the use of the electro-erosion process, which is presented as a viable alternative for the forming of these materials [10]. As this process is generally slow, and its main attraction is to obtain good qualities, it should be combined with another process to improve performance, such as abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) [10,11]
Summary
The transport sector is one of the main contributors to environmental pollution, second only to the energy sector. The high configuration capacity of polymeric composite materials is transferable to the MMCs, where it is possible to control the quantity and type of reinforcements in order to design their mechanical and thermal properties [6] These excellent characteristics are responsible for the difficulties that arise during the shaping of these materials in processes such as machining that attempt to adjust the part to the final geometry [6]. There have been studies on the use of the electro-erosion process, which is presented as a viable alternative for the forming of these materials [10] As this process is generally slow, and its main attraction is to obtain good qualities, it should be combined with another process to improve performance, such as abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) [10,11]. Analyzed through ANOVA and SEM in order to evaluate the influence of each test
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