The effect of cutting process on surface microstructure and hardness of pure and Al 6061 aluminium alloy

In this study pure aluminium and Al 6061 aluminium alloy material had been cut with saw, milling, submerged plasma, plasma, laser, wire electric discharge machining, oxyfuel and Abrasive water jet. Microstructures and hardness variations of cut surfaces which obtained with different processes have been investigated. Results of the study show that the hardness and surface quality of the cut surface is affected from the kind of cutting process. Microstructure of cut surfaces is affected from the kind of cutting process. Microstructural changes during cutting of the materials are observed with all of the cutting process other than Abrasive water jet. Abrasive water jet method can be effectively used in industrial applications where no microstructural changes and hardness reduction is essential.