Study of Influence of Aluminium Content on Machinability of Magnesium Alloys

This paper describes an experimental investigation on the formation of flank build-up (FBU) during the machining of five commercial magnesium alloys. It was demonstrated that the presence of intermetallic β-phase in magnesium matrix is responsible for the difference in the machinability of magnesium alloys. Experimental tests have revealed that surface defects such as cracks and pores may promote the formation of the FBU. The influence of cutting speed on the FBU formation was studied with the aid of surface roughness, tool forces, and chip form.