Fabrication of Al-Based Composites by Centrifugal Mixed-Powder Method and Their Application for Grinding Wheels

Abstract

In this study, Al-based metal matrix composite (MMC) with diamond and cBN abrasive grains was fabricated by a centrifugal mixed-powder method (CMPM). Two types of CMPM experiments with and without consolidated part were carried out. It was found that the MMC dispersed with diamond and cBN abrasive grains can be successfully fabricated by CMPM. In case of CMPM without consolidated part, the homogeneous distribution of the abrasive grains along hoop direction in the MMC could not be achieved due to slumping of mixed-powder by gravity. On the other hand, modified CMPM using consolidated part could fabricate a MMC with uniform distribution of abrasive grains along hoop direction. Grinding wheels were manufactured using fabricated MMC samples, and drilling experiments were carried out on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). It was found that the better drilling performance was found for the Al/Diamond grinding wheel rather than Al/cBN grinding wheel. Therefore, it can be concluded that the grinding wheel was not subjected at high temperature even though the drilling was carried out under dry condition.