Machining Of Materials Research Articles

Optimizing Batch Time Allocation in Tobacco Shred Production Through Smart Scheduling

This paper introduces a smart scheduling system aimed at optimizing batch time allocation in cigarette tobacco shred production. Traditional scheduling methods, which rely on fixed schedules based on historical data, often fail to adapt to dynamic production environments, leading to inefficiencies. To address these limitations, the system continuously monitors real-time data from the production line, including machine performance, material flow, and environmental conditions. Utilizing machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, the system dynamically adjusts production schedules to anticipate needs, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation. The system was validated in a real production workshop, demonstrating significant improvements in flexibility, efficiency, and overall production quality. These advancements underscore the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 technologies in modern manufacturing.

Machining Characteristics During Short Hole Drilling of Titanium Alloy Ti10V2Fe3Al.

The single-phase titanium ß-alloy Ti10V2Fe3Al (Ti-1023) has been widely used in the aerospace industry due to its unique mechanical properties, which include high fatigue strength and fracture toughness, as well as high corrosion resistance. On the other hand, these unique properties significantly hinder the cutting processes of this material, especially those characterized by a closed machining process area, such as drilling. This paper is devoted to the study of the short hole drilling process of the above-mentioned titanium alloy using direct measurements and numerical modeling. Measurements of the cutting force components in the drilling process and determination of the resultant cutting force and total cutting power were performed. The macro- and microstructure of chips generated during drilling were analyzed, and the dependence of the chip compression ratio and the distance between neighboring segments of serrated chips on cutting speed and drill feed was determined. Experimental studies were supplemented by determining the temperature on the lateral clearance face of the drill's outer cutting insert in dependence on the cutting modes. For the modeling of the drilling process using the finite element model, the parameters of the triad of component submodels of the numerical model were determined: the machined material model, the model of contact interaction between the tool and the machined material, and the fracture model of the machined material. The determination of these parameters was performed through the DOE sensitivity analysis. The target values for performing this analysis were the total cutting power and the distance between neighboring chip segments. The maximum deviation between the simulated and experimentally determined values of the resulting cutting force is no more than 25%. At the same time, the maximum deviation between the measured values of the temperature on the lateral clearance face of the drill's outer cutting insert and the corresponding simulated values is 26.1%.

Human-in-the-loop Multi-objective Bayesian Optimization for Directed Energy Deposition with in-situ monitoring

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a free-form metal additive manufacturing process characterized as toolless, flexible, and energy-efficient compared to traditional processes. However, it is a complex system with a highly dynamic nature that presents challenges for modeling and optimization due to its multiphysics and multiscale characteristics. Additionally, multiple factors such as different machine setups and materials require extensive testing through single-track depositions, which can be time and resource-intensive. Single-track experiments are the foundation for establishing optimal initial parameters and comprehensively characterizing bead geometry, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of computer-aided design and process quality validation. We digitized a DED setup using the Robot Operating System (ROS 2) and employed a thermal camera for real-time monitoring and evaluation to streamline the experimentation process. With the laser power and velocity as inputs, we optimized the dimensions and stability of the melt pool and evaluated different objective functions and approaches using a Response Surface Model (RSM). The three-objective approach achieved better rewards in all iterations and, when implemented in a real setup, allowed to reduce the number of experiments and shorten setup time. Our approach can minimize waste, increase the quality and reliability of DED, and enhance and simplify human-process interaction by leveraging the collaboration between human knowledge and model predictions.

Intercomparison of Indexable Cutting Inserts' Wear Progress and Chip Formation During Machining Hardened Steel AISI 4337 and Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 316 L.

This article deals with a mutual comparison of indexable cutting inserts of the CNMG 120408 type from two different manufacturers during the machining of hardened steel AISI 4337 and austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 L. The main goal is to analyse the different wear processes depending on the difference in the manufacturer's design and also depending on the properties of the different machined materials. The progress of the wear of the main spine of the tool, the types of wear and the service life of the cutting edge were monitored, with the achievement of the critical value VBmax = 300 µm being the standard. In addition to the wear of the inserts, the production of chips was monitored in terms of their shape, average size and number of chips per 100 g of chips produced. In order to understand the relationships arising from the obtained data, an SEM equipped with an elemental analyser was used to analyse the coating layers and the substrate of the unworn inserts and the types of wear and the intensity of the surface damage of the worn inserts. A several-fold difference in the lifetime of the cutting edge was found, both in terms of design and in terms of the selected machined material, while in both cases the cutting edge with Al2O3 and TiCN layers of half thickness achieved a better result in liveness. From the point of view of chip formation, very similar results in shape and average length were observed despite the different designs of chip breakers. Cutting inserts with half the thickness of the coating layers achieved longer cutting edge life in the non-primary material application compared to the target workpiece material. At the same time, it was observed that a thinner coating layer has a positive effect on chip formation in terms of its length and shape.

Frictional study of B4C-hBN multiphase ceramics and TC4 alloy tribological pair in synthetic seawater

This paper investigates the tribological behavior of B4C-hBN multiphase ceramics with varying the hBN mass fraction when paired with TC4 (Ti6Al4V) titanium alloy under synthetic seawater environment. The study reveals that, an increase in hBN mass fraction of B4C-hBN multiphase ceramics leads to a notable reduction in the material's friction coefficient, while simultaneously contributing to a decrease in TC4 disc's wear rate. At a mass fraction of 30 wt.% for hBN, the friction coefficient drops to its lowest value (0.250). Additionally, at a mass fraction of 30 wt.% hBN, the wear rate of the ceramic pin is 1.47×10⁻⁴ mm³·N⁻1·m⁻1, which is lower than the wear rate observed at a mass fraction of 20 wt.% hBN (1.70×10⁻⁴ mm³·N⁻1·m⁻1). This suggests that the enhancement of tribological behavior is not mutually exclusive with the refinement of the material's machinability, and the two can synergistically coexist. In synthetic seawater, the high concentration of chlorine (Cl) ions accelerates the oxidation reaction on the TC4 disc interface, resulting in the formation of compounds including H3BO3, TiO2, CaCO3, Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3. These substances form a lubricating tribo-chemical film that provides lubrication and protection. This study demonstrates that hBN as a secondary phase additive can effectively improve the frictional performance of B4C multiphase ceramics in synthetic seawater, by forming a tribo-chemical film that notably improved the friction and wear behavior. Additionally, the tribo-chemical film can reduce the shear rate of the fluid on the tribo-pair. For these reasons, the tribo-chemical film markedly lowers the friction coefficient and wear rate. This provides important theoretical and experimental support for the development of high-performance wear-resistant materials.

Characterization of 3D printed composite for final dental restorations.

This study evaluated the mechanical, optical, microstructural, surface, and adhesive behavior of a 3D printing resin comparing it with a machinable resin composite. Specimens of different sizes and shapes were either printed (Vitality, Smart Dent) or machinable (Grandio Blocs, Voco GmbH) resin composites with similar composition were prepared. Surface and mechanical characterization were performed with Knoop hardness, flexural strength (three-point-bending), and elastic modulus tests. The wear of the tested materials was evaluated against steatite antagonists. The optical properties stability (color change, ΔE00, and translucency, TP00) were observed after staining in red wine. In addition, the bond strength of the resin composites to two resin cement protocols were investigated with microshear bond strength tests at baseline and after thermocycling. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) was used for microstructural and chemical characterization. Statistical analyses were performed with t- and ANOVA tests. Hardness values (132.76 (16.32) KH- Machinable and 35.87 (2.78) KH - Printed), flexural strength (172.17 (26.99) MPa - Machinable and 88.69 (8.39) MPa - Printed), color and translucency change (1.86 (0.31)/0.06 - Machinable and 3.73 (0.36)/9,16- Printed), and wear depth (24.97mm (3.60)- Machinable and 7.16mm (2.84) - Printed) were statistically different. Average Regarding bond strength, mean values (MPa) for non-aged and aged groups were respectively 21.76 (6.64) / 31.9 (12.66) for Bifix cement (Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) and 26.75 (5.14) / 24.36 (6.85) for Variolink cement (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) in Printed and 17.79 (3.89) / 9.01 (3.36) ) for Bifix cement and 22.09 (6.55) / 11.01 (3.77) for Variolink cement in Machinable materials. The material and aging factors did affect bond strength but the cement factor did not (p = 0.202). No statistical differences were observed for mean roughness (Ra) between materials. The better dispersion and larger size of the inorganic particles in the Machinable resin were contrasted with the clustered smaller particles of printed resin, under SEM. The mechanical properties and color stability of the machinable resin were superior to those of the printed resin, probably due to the greater amount and dispersion of inorganic particles in the Mach resin, but bond strength after aging was stronger and more stable in the printed resin. 3D-printed resin composites with similar compositions to machinable resin composites do not necessarily exhibit the same properties, which can impact clinical performance. Understanding these differences can assist manufacturers in improving their materials and help clinicians distinguish between materials appropriate for provisional and final restorations.

Research on the Risk of Drilling Phases Based on the Development Model of Shallow-Water Subsea Trees

China is actively advancing offshore oil and gas exploration and development, focusing on addressing the technical challenges associated with resource extraction in shallow waters. The shallow-water subsea tree development model has gradually been applied in such environments, alleviating some construction difficulties. However, it still poses well control risks that require systematic analysis and quantitative evaluation. Given that the blowout preventer (BOP) is located on the platform and the shallow-water subsea tree is only used during certain drilling stages, this study divided the drilling process into two phases: the first three sections and the fourth section. Based on the “man–machine–material–environment” analytical framework and an improved system-theoretic process analysis (STPA), a control model for the construction phases was developed. Fault tree analysis (FTA) was then employed to identify comprehensively the potential risks from the platform to the wellbore in both phases. Subsequently, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method were used to assess quantitatively the well control risks. Using the average weight as the evaluation criterion, high-risk factors exceeding the average weight in each phase were identified. The results indicate that in the shallow-water subsea tree development model, well control risks in the first three drilling sections primarily stem from human errors and equipment failures, while risks in the fourth section are mainly caused by damage to the subsea tree itself. The identified risk factors provide a theoretical basis for enhancing well control safety management in the shallow-water subsea tree development model.

Physical-Vapor-Deposition-Coated Natural Rocks as Sustainable Cutting Material: First Insights into the Effect of Substrate Integrity on Properties of TiN Thin Film

The most important cutting materials for machining are carbides. Their production requires both tungsten and cobalt; however, these materials are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and are sometimes mined under ethically questionable conditions. As a result, increasing efforts are being made to expand the range of cutting materials. The basic suitability of natural rocks for cutting tools in less demanding processes has already been demonstrated. PVD coating of the natural rocks could improve their performance. The adhesion mechanisms in TiN-coated natural rock samples are discussed below. The TiN thin film is characterized in depth.

Comprehensive Evaluation Method for High-Performance Milling of Inconel 718 Alloy

The aim of this paper was to develop and verify a method for evaluating the high-performance milling of Inconel 718 alloy under accelerated tool wear conditions. The method considered parameters such as cutting-force components, total machine power consumption, cutting-edge wear, and material removal rate. The study compared high-feed milling and plunge milling, using sets of cutting parameters that are appropriate for both techniques. The results indicate that high-feed milling was more efficient, achieving higher material removal rates and lower tool wear. On the other hand, plunge milling was characterized by a lower axial force component (Fz), which can positively affect machining accuracy. The paper highlights that the proposed evaluation method can also be applied to other hard-to-machine materials, and plunge milling offers a competitive alternative for roughing operations in the milling of Inconel 718 alloy.

Influence of WEDM input variables on the machinability of Ni–Cu superalloy

ABSTRACT The study investigates the influence of Wire-cut Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) input variables on the Ni–Cu superalloy, crucial in marine environments. Input variables include Input current (Ic), Pulse on Time (TON), Pulse off Time (TOFF), Servo Voltage (SV), and Wire Feed (WF) rate, while output variables are Machine Speed (Mc), Kerf Width (K), and Material Removal Rate (MRR). Utilizing an L16 orthogonal matrix, experiments were conducted. The Taguchi method examines single output variables, while the Grey Relational Grade Algorithm (GRA) assesses multi-objective outputs. GRA identifies optimal input combinations, crucial for maximizing the machining performance. ANOVA of GRA results highlights Pulse on Time (TON), Input current (Ic), and Servo Voltage (SV) as significant factors affecting Mc, K, and MRR. This analysis underscores their importance in optimizing the WEDM process for Ni–Cu (MONEL K-500 superalloy).

Rapid manufacturing of copper-graphene composite EDM electrode for improved machining performance

ABSTRACT Recently, graphene has emerged as reinforcing material for copper-based electric discharge machine (EDM) tools because of its superior electrical, thermal and high melting properties. 3D printing methods to fabricate electrodes are convenient and faster compared to conventional methods. Therefore, this study investigated the fabrication of copper-graphene composite electrodes for EDM using rapid tooling and pressureless microwave sintering. The influence of graphene content on the machining performance was examined, revealing enhanced electrical conductivity and machining efficiency. Electrical conductivity of the composite electrodes having 0.25 and 0.5 wt% of graphene was higher than pure copper. Additionally, upto 89% improvement in material removal rate and upto 14% reduction in electrode wear rate was obtained. Optical study showed an improvement of upto 28% in surface finish of the workpiece machined using composite electrode having 0.25 wt% graphene. A complex shaped composite tool was successfully fabricated and machined cavity was obtained.

A Study on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 690 Subjected to Milling Process

The metallic materials subjected to machining‐induced severe plastic deformation can experience alterations of microstructures and mechanical properties, affecting the functional performances of the components. This study concentrates on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties analysis of Ni‐based superalloy Inconel 690 under severe plastic deformation induced by milling process. The obtained results show that the microstructures of the machined surface and subsurface exhibit the characteristic of gradient distribution. Plastic behaviors involving dislocation multiplication, grain deformation and refinement, increment of local misorientation and average intragranular misorientation, and transition from high‐angle grain boundaries to low‐angle grain boundaries occur in the superficial layer of the machined workpiece. Both the intensity and the affected depth of plastic deformation for the superficial layer are strengthened following the cutting speed and feed increase, which is attributed to higher cutting forces. No white layer and phase transformation is found under all cutting conditions. In addition, the nanohardness of the superficial layer shows the reduction tendency of hardening effect from the surface to the bulk of the machined workpiece material. With the increase in cutting speed and feed, the affected zones of residual stresses and work hardening below the machined surface become wider.

Determination of Chip Compression Ratio for the Orthogonal Cutting Process

The chip compression ratio is the most important characteristic of various machining processes with chip generation. This characteristic enables the determination of kinetic and other energy loads on the tool and the machined material. This provides an overall evaluation of the machining process and the possibility of its subsequent optimization. This paper presents the results of determining this cutting characteristic by experimental method, analytical calculation, and numerical modeling. For the analytical calculation of the chip compression ratio, an analytical cutting model developed based on the variational principle of the minimum potential energy was used. A finite element model of orthogonal cutting was used for the numerical simulation of the above process characteristic. Experimentally, the chip compression ratio was determined by the ratio of the chip thickness to the cutting depth (undeformed cutting thickness). The chip thickness was determined by direct measurement using chip slices obtained during the cutting process. The Johnson–Cook constitutive equation was used as the machined material model and the Coulomb model was used as the friction model. The generalized parameters’ determination of the constitutive equation was performed through a DOE (Design of Experiment) sensitivity analysis. The variation range of these parameters was chosen based on the analysis of the effect of individual parameters of the constitutive equation on the chip compression ratio value. The largest deviations between the experimental and analytically calculated values of the chip compression ratio did not exceed 21%. At the same time, the largest deviations of simulated values of the indicated cutting characteristic and its experimental values did not exceed 20%. When comparing the experimental values of the chip compression ratio with the corresponding calculated and simulated values, the deviations were within 22%.

Design of a test rig for the characterization of friction and wear in hot-metal gas-forming of AA 5083 aluminium sheets

Advanced aluminium sheet-forming processes such as the hot-metal gas-forming represent a challenging solution for producing small lots in the high-end car bodies industry, and the adoption of single cavity moulds made from low-cost, easily machinable materials such as cast iron reduces the overall sheet-forming costs. The tribological properties of the mould-sheet tribopair are of great interest for optimizing the sheet forming obtaining an acceptable esthetic surface finishing. This study presents the design and construction of a lab-scale experimental test rig for the tribological characterization at high temperatures of the mould-sheet tribopair. The proposed test method reproduces the sliding at the mould-sheet interface with contemporary sheet straining up to ε = 0.8 at strain rates in the 1.2*10-3 to 2*10-2 s-1 range. A series of experiments were carried out in dry and lubricated conditions for a ductile iron EN-GJS grade sliding against a AA 5083 aluminium alloy while straining. After comparing the experimental results with the literature data from other test rigs, comparable results were obtained as COF regards, ranging between 1.2 to 2.5 in dry sliding and between 0.05 to 0.2 in lubricated sliding. The morphological characterization of the sliding surfaces and cross-sections highlights the strong tendency to galling in dry sliding conditions expecially for low strain rates.

Influence of machining conditions on dry EDM with workpiece cooling of Inconel 625 alloy in the milling kinematics

One potential eco-friendly variant of electro-discharge machining is dry electro-discharge machining (EDM), in which the liquid hydrocarbon–based dielectric is substituted with a gaseous medium. The primary challenge associated with dry EDM is the excessive dissipation of heat within the machining gap, which restricts its utilisation only to a microscale machining. Consequently, further modifications to the underlying mechanism of the process are being undertaken with the aim of efficient industrialising it on a larger scale. In the present study, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the efficiency of dry-EDM process while using carbon dioxide as a gaseous medium together with introducing additional external workpiece cooling with deionised water. A series of experiments were conducted to determinate the impact of external workpiece cooling with deionised water and the main machining parameters, namely pulse-on time and current intensity gas pressure, on the material removal rate, working electrode wear, and surface integrity of Inconel 625 during EDM in milling kinematics. The results demonstrated that, under the same machining parameters, the wear of the working electrode, the surface roughness, and the thickness of the recast layer were significantly reduced in the EDM with external workpiece cooling in comparison to the dry-EDM process without water cooling. Furthermore, the EDM with coolant exhibited superior performance in comparison to the dry-EDM process due to the fact that there were fewer changes in the surface morphology and chemical composition of the machined material.

Investigating micro-EDM machinability of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (TNZT) alloy

ABSTRACT Titanium and its new-generation alloys are widely employed in high-end applications due to their special properties. Modern industries frequently use micro – Electro Discharge Machining (μ-EDM), a non-conventional machining technique that is especially useful for processing hard to machine materials like titanium alloys. μ-EDM can produce intricate shapes with excellent dimensional precision. The main emphasis of this work is an experimental analysis of the μ-EDM of TNZT alloy (Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta) employing a tungsten carbide (WC) electrode. The results showed that with the increase in capacitance (C) 10nF to 100nF at Voltage (V) 80 V, the machining performance parameters such as material removal rate (MRR), overcut (OC), crater area, surface microhardness, and surface roughness increase by 6.38, 1.52, 4.66, 1.07, and 3.29 times, respectively. However, the circularity error of the µ-hole increases by 1.81 times. This study intends to show how the two key machining factors (C & V) influence significant machining performance parameters.

Alte Werkzeugmaterialien im neuen Kleid

Abstract The most important cutting materials for machining are carbides. Tungsten and cobalt are required for their production, but these are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and sometimes under ethically questionable conditions. Therefore, increasing efforts are being made to expand the range of cutting materials. The basic suitability of natural rocks for cutting tools in less demanding processes has already been demonstrated. The possibility of their PVD coating is discussed below.

Effects of Ar ion bombardment on the structure and properties of β-quartz

β-quartz is an important component that affects the physical and chemical properties of glass-ceramics. The material removal process of ion beam machining is complicated as one of the ultra-precision machining forms. Therefore, it is important to understand the removal mechanism of ion beam machining materials. The methods of molecular dynamics (MD) and first-principles were adopted to investigate the microscopic mechanism of ion beam bombardment of the β-quartz structure. The damage evolution of structures and the evolution of material properties caused by defects respectively from the atomic and electronic levels. Through MD analysis, we find that the random collision between incident ions and matrix atoms can lead to the formation of sputtered atoms. The incidence of ions will increase the disorder degree of the matrix, and the influence on the disorder degree at different depths of the matrix is different. The degree of disorder increases obviously in the range of 50–70 Å from the surface of the matrix. It has a significant impact on the surface topology of the matrix, the number of defects, surface roughness, and matrix density. The results of first-principle calculation show that the refraction, absorption and other characteristics of the system are significantly different with different doping forms, and the energy loss is most affected by substituted doping. And the substituted doping defects have the most significant effects on the structural energy loss. Among, the Ar-substituted O doping structure leads to higher energy loss, and the peak energy loss intensity reaches 5.146. In contrast, the Ar-substituted Si doping structure causes the least energy loss, the intensity is 2.543. This study provides a theoretical basis for the selection of parameters and the realization of ultra-smooth surface in actual ion beam machining.

Exploring the machined surface characteristics of Haynes 25 superalloy: Cost mitigation and quality enhancement perspective

The current study investigates the surface characteristics and machining cost of electrical discharge machining (EDM) of Haynes 25 superalloy using tools made by additively manufactured CuCr1Zr, pure copper and graphite. Before assessing machinability, the workpiece and tool materials were characterized using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and evaluations of tensile strength, micro-hardness, density and thermal conductivity. The effects of current (I), voltage (V), pulse duration (Ton), duty cycle (τ) and flushing pressure (Fp) is analyzed on surface characteristics viz. surface roughness (SR), surface crack density (SCD), recast layer thickness (RCT), heat-affected zone (HAZ), micro-hardness (MH) and machining cost (MC). Post machining XRD analysis revealed the formation of cobalt oxides like (CoO and Co3O4) affecting the micro-hardness of the machined surface. Alongside, a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is carried out which confirms, the deposition of metal carbides and oxides on the EDMed surface. Current and pulse-on-time significantly influenced performance, with optimal EDM parameters identified and validated through confirmative experiments, resulting in a mean error of ∼2.84 %. It is seen that the use of additively manufactured CuCr1Zr tools resulted in improved machined surface characteristics and a more cost-effective approach for producing intricate profiles with minimal surface defects.

Analisis Efektivitas Mesin Bordir Komputer Menggunakan Metode Overall Equipment Effetivenes (Oee) dan Six Big Loses pada UD. Jadi Gumilang Sukorejo

The garment company UD. Jadi Gumilang is a home-based industry located in Mojotengah Village, Sukorejo District, Pasuruan Regency, East Java. UD. Jadi Gumilang engages in the production of bags, clothes, uniforms, and embroidery, which are produced only when there are customer orders. Frequent damage to the computerized embroidery machine occurs because operators do not perform routine maintenance as per the garment's regulations. To address this issue, the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) value was calculated to analyze the major factors causing downtime. OEE itself is the result of multiplying the variables of Availability (90%), Performance (95%), and Quality (99%). After calculating the OEE value, the six big losses values were calculated to identify the highest losses that cause low OEE values. Then, from the highest loss values, a fishbone diagram (cause-and-effect diagram) analysis was conducted to identify the factors causing damage to minimize the recurrence of similar issues in the future. The results of the study show that out of the 2 computerized embroidery machines, one machine has an OEE value below 85%, which is the computerized embroidery machine 1 (84.64%). From this value, the six big losses calculations reveal that the largest loss is idling and minor stoppages losses, amounting to 20.02%. After conducting a fishbone diagram analysis, the factors causing idling and minor stoppages losses were identified as Human, Machine, Method, and Raw Material. Suggestions to prevent idling and minor stoppages losses include frequently cleaning the production area after production, regularly lubricating the machine to prevent wear, always checking the machine's condition before use, and others.