Hybrid Machining of Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being extensively utilized in high-tech industries. Though the secondary processing of MMCs is essential to produce components of desire dimensions and surface finish. Machining is one of the secondary processes through which the desired shape can be produced by removing the material from the MMCs. There are conventional, non-conventional, and hybrid machining processes that can be employed to machine MMCs. However, tool breakage and poor tool life are the drawbacks of conventional machining processes that restrict its further usage, whereas non-conventional methods like laser beam machining (LBM), electro-discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining (ECM), etc., are capable of processing composites with acceptable surface finish and dimensions up to specific limits. Recently, researchers are using different combinations of these machining processes known as hybrid machining to overcome the limitations of individual machining processes. Thereby, in this work, an overview of different hybrid machining processes (such as laser assisted machining (LAM), ultrasonic assisted machining (UAM), electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) grinding, electrical discharge diamond grinding (EDDG), water jet guided laser drilling, variant of electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM)) is presented that have been used to machine MMCs.