Effect of cutting conditions on surface integrity in end-milling of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta(Ti-3575) alloy becomes new β-type alloy for biomedical application due to its superior biocompatible properties. In this work, influence of end milling parameters on surface integrity of Ti-3575 alloy was investigated in terms of surface roughness (Ra), Young’s Modulus (E) and Hardness (H). High-Speed Milling (HSM) variables include Cutting speed (vc) 94–283 m/min, Cutting Depth (ap) 70–200 µm and Feed per Tooth (fz) 0.06–0.13 ft/tooth are considered for the investigation. From the results of surface characteristics study, it is identified that better surface finish was obtained for higher ‘vc’ and lower ‘ap’ conditions. Lowest and highest Ra values are found as 0.422 μm and 2.696 μm, respectively. Surface morphology study, ‘H’ and ‘E’ measurements are carried out for the higher and lower level of operating conditions. It is observed that surface defects are comparatively low at high ‘vc’ condition. ‘E’ value of 50.9GPa was observed for vc = 283 m/min, ap = 70 μm, and fz = 0.06 μm/tooth. The corresponding ‘H’ value is found as 9.3GPa. High ‘vc’ leads to reduction of ‘E’ and increase of ‘H’ that enhance biocompatible behavior Ti-3575 alloy. It is inferred that Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta alloy can be effectively machined by HSM and the desired surface integrity can be achieved for biomedical application.