Tool Material Selection Research Articles

Multi-criteria selection of building materials

Rational selection of building materials for their optimal performance and minimal environmental impact is complex, as materials are multi-functional. Beyond the primary function for which a material or product has been identified, such as insulation, the contribution to additional aspects of building performance may be conservatively overlooked. For example, important properties, such as latent and hygrothermal performance, are rarely considered when selecting insulation materials. Consequently, if materials are to be used optimally, there is a need for reliable and robust ranking methods based on a multi-criteria analysis. This will help to facilitate the most optimal selection of materials for building performance, environmental impact and occupant well-being. This paper describes four statistical methods of comparing and ranking different building materials. A critical appraisal of these methods is presented following implementation with a reference material data set. Finally, recommendations for future development and adoption of material selection tools are outlined.

Multi-criteria decision-making tools for material selection of natural fibre composites: A review

Materials selection in manufacturing process is an important stage and should be performed in parallel with selection of manufacturing process. In automotive industry, production of green automotive component could utilize the natural sources such as plant fibres. In recent years, several multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are suggested to choose the best materials for particular application. Materials selection tools for natural fibre composites are studied from past researchers with the summary of the advantage and disadvantages. In addition, new optimization approach in materials selection by using statistical analysis such as multiple linear regression (MLR), response surface methodology (RSM) and Taguchi method (TM) is proposed in this study. The proposed method could evaluate the criteria or attribute in materials selection precisely by analyse the relationship of the parameters, goodness of fit, correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), determination of coefficient and the significant criteria in to the desired goal of the design problem.

Recent Developments and Research Progress on Friction Stir Welding of Titanium Alloys: An Overview

Titanium and its alloys are joined by various welding processes. However, Fusion welding of titanium alloys resulted solidification problems like porosity, segregation and columnar grains. The problems occurred in conventional welding processes can be resolved using a solid state welding i.e. friction stir welding. Aluminium and Magnesium alloys were welded by friction stir welding. However alloys used for high temperature applications such as titanium alloys and steels are arduous to weld using friction stir welding process because of tool limitations. Present paper summarises the studies on joining of Titanium alloys using friction stir welding with different tool materials. Selection of tool material and effect of welding conditions on mechanical and microstructure properties of weldments were also reported. Major advantage with friction stir welding is, we can control the welding temperature above or below β-transus temperature by optimizing the process parameters. Stir zone in below beta transus condition consists of bi-modal microstructure and microstructure in above β-transus condition has large prior β- grains and α/β laths present in the grain. Welding experiments conducted below β- transus condition has better mechanical properties than welding at above β-transus condition. Hardness and tensile properties of weldments are correlated with the stir zone microstructure.

Selecting composite materials considering cost and environmental impact in the early phases of aircraft structure design

Abstract The main aim of this study is to develop a computer-aided material selection tool that supports the designer in the selection of the most suitable carbon fiber-reinforced composite configuration (orientations, the number of plies, material type) for aircraft structures. The selection procedure is based on technical, economic and environmental performance objectives for a given design, in a multidisciplinary and multi-objective optimization scenario. Economic and environmental performance evaluation is based on an integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)/Life Cycle Costing (LCC) model. Technical performance evaluation is done using Hypermesh-Optistruct® solver. Direct multi-search (DMS) solver is used for the optimization framework. A cargo aircraft elevator design is optimized using the proposed material selection tool. Results show that the material selection tool is a suitable guide for reducing weight during the early phases of design and promoting sustainable development in the aircraft industry.

Analysis and Improvement of Material Selection for Process Piping System in Offshore Industry

Material failure mainly because of corrosion is a highly dangerous and expensive phenomenon in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry, associated with severe negative consequences such as loss of asset, loss of production due to plant shutdown, loss of human life, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) problems (e.g. environmental pollution). Additionally, piping systems are produced in large numbers for the topside facilities in the oil and gas plants. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to introduce a novel approach for the piping material selection in the offshore industry to minimize the risk of piping corrosion and weight reduction with an optimum cost. The central focus of the study is to develop a material selection tool based on a systematic material selection approach and the existing literature, standards, and specifications. In this study, the optimal material selection strategy includes three well-known methods of screening: Cambridge material selector, value engineering (VE), and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The proposed guideline is a practical reference for material and piping engineers in the offshore industry to select the best choice of material for a specific application. The main finding of this research is that 25% chromium super duplex stainless steel is the best choice of material for processing piping systems in offshore plants for non-sour process (hydrocarbon) services. Super duplex stainless steel provides a high corrosion resistance and mechanical strength with the advantage of weight reduction for the selected facilities. A method of piping cost analysis is introduced to validate super duplex stainless steel as the most economical option.

Comparative Study of Wear Patterns of both Coated and Uncoated Tool Inserts in High Speed Turning of EN36 Steel

The main purpose of the study is to test the applicability of different cutting tools in producing tool-making equipment and to lay emphasis on the mechanisms present in the high-speed-cutting. The study would be of great benefit in the design and the selection of tool materials and also to control tool wear. The machining on EN36 steel was performed on CNC Turning Machine and design of experiments were made by using Taguchi method. The tool flank wear patterns were observed by tool maker’s microscope and comparative study is made for both coated and uncoated tools inserts. The comparison performed identifies the best validated cutting tool having improved performance among coated and uncoated inserts and gives optimum parameters in order to reduce the cutting forces for all cutting speeds. These values obtained shows coated tool inserts outperformed over uncoated at higher cutting speeds.

Optimal Lightweight Material Selection for Automobile Applications Considering Multi-Perspective Indices

As a significant technology in the automotive manufacturing industry, weight reduction in vehicle design has attracted much attention. Its effect on energy saving and emission reduction is prominent. The application of lightweight material is commonly adopted as a primary way of weight reduction. However, material selection is often subject to multi-perspective performance characteristics, e.g., mechanical and societal properties, and therefore, an effective multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method is needed. This paper presents a systematic hierarchical structure of multi-perspective indices for optimal lightweight material selection, including mechanical, durability, societal, and technical properties. A hybrid evaluation approach (G-TOPSIS) integrating grey relation analysis and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is applied to evaluate lightweight material alternatives and obtain an optimal one. A case study, i.e., 17 kinds of lightweight materials, is conducted to verify the hierarchical structure and the MCDM method. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to monitor the robustness of solution ranking to changes. The results show that this method provides an effective decision-making tool for optimal lightweight material selection for automobile applications.

A novel technique for slicing SiC ingots by EDM utilizing a running ultra-thin foil tool electrode

Recently, a multi-wire electrical discharge slicing (EDS) process has been proposed for slicing SiC ingots into wafers. A significant reduction in kerf loss is expected with this method compared with the conventional multi-wire saw method. However, this process entails a high risk of wire breakage. Therefore, in the present study, a novel electrical discharge slicing process utilizing a running ultra-thin foil tool electrode is demonstrated for the slicing of SiC ingots. Relative to multi-wire EDS, the risk of tool breakage can be reduced with this new technique by increasing the tool cross-sectional area. A 25-mm (1-inch) SiC ingot was successfully sliced with the proposed method and a kerf loss of about 100μm was achieved by utilizing a foil tool electrode with a thickness of 50μm. This paper summarizes the specific characteristics and results of this process, including the machining stability, machining strategy, selection of foil tool material and multiple simultaneous slicing.

Optimum selection of tool materials for machining of high-strength steels based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method

To provide guidance for the tool materials selection in the machining of high-strength steels, this article outlines the application of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method for the cutting performance evaluation of cemented carbide tools, ceramic tools, and cermet tools. The results indicate that cermets with the best comprehensive cutting performance are chosen as the optimum tool materials for the machining of high-strength steels. Moreover, the severe adhesion wear characteristics of cemented carbide tools are detrimental to the surface quality of workpieces. The obvious crater wear and furrow-like scratches caused mainly by abrasive wear, as well as adhesive wear can shorten the life of ceramic tools. The sharp cutting edge and good wear resistance of cermet tools are not only beneficial to the machined surface quality of workpieces, but also prolong the tool life. The analysis of tool wear proves the reliability and accuracy of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.

Diffusion Wear of Al2O3 Ceramic Tools when Cutting Materials Based on Thermodynamics

Cutting temperature always highly reaches over to 1000℃ when high speed machining with PCBN tools. Diffusion of tool material element may have important influence on tool wear at such high temperature, the diffusion wear and oxidation wear have become the major wear mechanism. In this paper, the rules of diffusion wear and oxidation wear for PCBN cutting tools are proposed and analyzed based on thermodynamics theory. Dissolution concentrations in typical normal workplace materials of PCBN tool material at different temperature are then calculated. Diffusion reaction rules in high temperature are developed and analyzed using Gibbs free energy criterion. The machining tests were conducted using the PCBN tools at different cutting speeds of 50, 95, 100 and 180 m/min, feed of 0.1, 0.2 and depth of cut of 0.1, 0.8, 1, and 1.5 mm respectively on PUMA300LM numerically-controlled lathe. It was found that the theoretical results were uniform with the experimental data; the results will provide useful references for tool material design and selection.

Wear of PCBN Tool when Cutting Materials Difficult-to-Cut Based on Thermodynamics Solubility

Cutting temperature always highly reaches over to 1000℃ when high speed machining with PCBN tools. Diffusion of tool material element may have important influence on tool wear at such high temperature. The diffusion wear and oxidation wear have become the major wear mechanism. In this paper, the rules of diffusion wear and oxidation wear for PCBN cutting tools are proposed and analyzed based on thermodynamics theory. Dissolution concentrations in typical normal workpiece materials of PCBN tool material at different temperature are then calculated. Diffusion reaction rules in high temperature are developed and analyzed using Gibbs free energy criterion. The machining tests were conducted using the PCBN tools at different cutting speeds of 50, 95,100 and 180 m/min, feed of 0.1, 0.2 and depth of cut of 0.1, 0.8, 1, and 1.5 mm respectively on PUMA300LM numerically-controlled lathe. It was found that the theoretical results were uniform with the experimental data; the results will provide useful references for tool material design and selection.

Material selection for environmental responsibility: the case of soft drinks packaging in Brazil

The unprecedented scale of packaging waste in global soft drinks supply chains is attracting increasing attention due to its environmental, social and economic impacts. The selection of the most feasible packaging options is one of the key approaches towards reducing resources depletion and packaging disposal. From an environmental point of view, selection requires knowledge of all product life stages including the type and the amount of materials used and the manufacturing practices such as recycling and reuse. In this context, decision makers in industry are looking for assessment methods that address the problem as a whole and not only as a sum of parts for selecting the most appropriate and reliable option. This paper introduces environmental accounting based on emergy as a tool to assist materials selection. This tool can help decision makers in industry providing information on the environmental cost of each decision. Emergy has low cost compared to other methods that require extensive information databases and commercial software. To exemplify the application of the emergy as a tool for material selection, options for the production of soft drinks are compared. The results obtained for the Brazilian case make it possible to select refillable glass bottles as the best option according to the resources available in the country; establishing the best production model for the selected option and determining when and if a recycling stage should be implemented.

Wear of PCBN Tool when Cutting Materials Difficult-to-Cut Based on Thermodynamics Solubility

Cutting temperature always highly reaches over to 1000¡æ when high speed machining with PCBN tools. Diffusion of tool material element may have important influence on tool wear at such high temperature., the diffusion wear and oxidation wear have become the major wear mechanism. In this paper, the rules of diffusion wear and oxidation wear for PCBN cutting tools are proposed and analyzed based on thermodynamics theory. Dissolution concentrations in typical normal workpice materials of PCBN tool material at different temperature are then calculated. Diffusion reaction rules in high temperature are developed and analyzed using Gibbs free energy criterion. The machining tests were conducted using the PCBN tools at different cutting speeds of 50, 95,100 and 180 m/min, feed of 0.1, 0.2 and depth of cut of 0.1, 0.8, 1, and 1.5 mm respectively on PUMA300LM numerically-controlled lathe. It was found that the theoretical results were uniform with the experimental data; the results will provide useful references for tool material design and selection.

The effects of environment and ownership on children's innovation of tools and tool material selection.

Research indicates that in experimental settings, young children of 3-7 years old are unlikely to devise a simple tool to solve a problem. This series of exploratory studies done in museums in the US and UK explores how environment and ownership of materials may improve children's ability and inclination for (i) tool material selection and (ii) innovation. The first study takes place in a children's museum, an environment where children can use tools and materials freely. We replicated a tool innovation task in this environment and found that while 3-4 year olds showed the predicted low levels of innovation rates, 4-7 year olds showed higher rates of innovation than the younger children and than reported in prior studies. The second study explores the effect of whether the experimental materials are owned by the experimenter or the child on tool selection and innovation. Results showed that 5-6 year olds and 6-7 year olds were more likely to select tool material they owned compared to tool material owned by the experimenter, although ownership had no effect on tool innovation. We argue that learning environments supporting tool exploration and invention and conveying ownership over materials may encourage successful tool innovation at earlier ages.

An Overview on Nano Metric Surface Finishing Techniques

This paper deals with free form optics, ELID, partial ductile mode grinding, ductile regima grinding, four domains of material removal, selection of tool materials, ultra precision grinding, aspherical surface generation grinding wheel. Advantages, disadvantages, applications, operation of the above methods were also discussed in brief manner for understanding the concepts. This paper would be useful for the readers to know the basic concepts in the nano metric surface finishing techniques.

Optimal selection of cutting tool materials based on multi-criteria decision-making methods in machining Al-Si piston alloy

Cutting tools are the executor and core element of machining, and tool materials are of decisive significance for the development of high-speed machining technology. For a particular workpiece material, to select the appropriate tool material is an important prerequisite to increase the machining productivity and to improve the machined surface quality. In this paper, a compromised weighting method composed of the subjective judgment method and the objective judgment method was utilized to conduct criterion weighting in the cutting tool material selection when machining Al-Si piston alloy. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to subjectively judge the significance of the material properties and determine their criterion weight, while the entropy weight method was adopted to objectively judge the significance and determine their weight values. The synthesis weights of the material properties were determined by the comprehensive assessment of both the AHP and entropy methods, and the synthesis scores of the different tool material candidates were obtained. Results revealed that PCD was found as best materials for Al-Si piston alloy machining, and YG8 is slightly more suitable than YG6X for machining Al-Si piston alloy. In short, the qualitative problems in tool material selection were realized systematically and hierarchically by quantitative calculation and analysis. This provides a new thinking in tool material selection for high-efficiency machining of difficult-to-machine materials.

Tool Material Selection Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process Method in Machining Al-Si Piston Alloy

Cutting tool is the executor and core element of machining, and tool material is of decisive significance for the development of high-speed machining technology. For a particular workpiece material, to select the appropriate tool material is an important prerequisite to increase the machining productivity and to improve the machined surface quality.In this paper, a weighting method of subjective judgment was utilized to conduct criteria weighting in the tool materials selection when machining Al-Si piston alloy. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to subjectively judge the significance of the material properties and determine their criteria weight. The hierarchical structure model, with the objective layer, the criterion layer, and the alternative layer, was established. The performance of tool materials was set as the objective layer. Seven property indexes, such as density, Young's modulus, hardness, fracture toughness, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, were chosen as the criterion layer in comparative judgment of the alternatives and criteria. And five kinds of tool materials, YG6X Cemented carbide, YG8 Cemented carbide, PCD, CBN, and Ceramic were chosen as the alternative layer. Then the pairwise comparison matrix of the material property index was constructed to compare a set of criteria pairwise according to their relative importance weight. The comparative weights were derived by finding the largest eigenvector with respective of the matrix. Finally, the consistency index and consistency ratio were calculated to ensure the consistency of the subjective perception and the accuracy of comparative weights. Then the weights of the material properties were determined, and the synthesis scores of the different tool material candidates were obtained.Results revealed that PCD was found as best materials for Al-Si piston alloy machining, and YG8 is slightly more suitable than YG6X for machining Al-Si piston alloy. In short, the qualitative problems in tool material selection were realized systematically and hierarchically by quantitatively calculation and analysis. This provides a new thinking in tool materials selection for high efficiency machining of difficult-to-machine materials.

Diffusion Wear and Oxidation Wear of PCBN Tool when Cutting Materials Difficult-to-Cut Based on Thermodynamics Solubility

Cutting temperature always highly reaches over to 1000°C when high speed machining with PCBN tools. Diffusion of tool material element may have important influence on tool wear at such high temperature., the diffusion wear and oxidation wear have become the major wear mechanism. In this paper, the rules of diffusion wear and oxidation wear for PCBN cutting tools are proposed and analyzed based on thermodynamics theory. Dissolution concentrations in typical normal workpice materials of PCBN tool material at different temperature are then calculated. Diffusion reaction rules in high temperature are developed and analyzed using Gibbs free energy criterion. The machining tests were conducted using the PCBN tools at different cutting speeds of 50, 95,100 and 180 m/min, feed of 0.1, 0.2mm and depth of cut of 0.1, 0.8, 1, and 1.5 mm respectively on PUMA300LM numerically-controlled lathe. It was found that the theoretical results were uniform with the experimental data; the results will provide useful references for tool material design and selection.

Primate archaeology reveals cultural transmission in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus).

Recovering evidence of past human activities enables us to recreate behaviour where direct observations are missing. Here, we apply archaeological methods to further investigate cultural transmission processes in percussive tool use among neighbouring chimpanzee communities in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. Differences in the selection of nut-cracking tools between neighbouring groups are maintained over time, despite frequent female transfer, which leads to persistent cultural diversity between chimpanzee groups. Through the recovery of used tools in the suggested natal territory of immigrants, we have been able to reconstruct the tool material selection of females prior to migration. In combination with direct observations of tool selection of local residents and immigrants after migration, we uncovered temporal changes in tool selection for immigrating females. After controlling for ecological differences between territories of immigrants and residents our data suggest that immigrants abandoned their previous tool preference and adopted the pattern of their new community, despite previous personal proficiency of the same foraging task. Our study adds to the growing body of knowledge on the importance of conformist tendencies in animals.

Selection of tool materials by scribing

Scribing by means of a pendulum permits prediction of the performance of materials for cutting tools in production conditions.