Experimental Investigation during Micro-Milling of Hybrid Al6063 MMC Reinforced with SiC and ZrO2

The experimental investigation of process characteristics while performing micro-milling on hybrid aluminium metal matrix composite is discussed in this article. High Speed Steel micro end mill cutters are used for machining of micro-slots on Al6063 metal matrix composite reinforced with zirconia and silicon carbide. The tools are also treated cryogenically at -196°C using liquid nitrogen with a holding time of 24 hours. For this investigation, machining parameters like feed rate, cutting speed and depth of cut are considered as the process parameters. The effect of the process parameters on the material removal rate and surface roughness for hybrid metal matrix composite are analyzed. In addition, tools wear for untreated and cryo-treated single tempered tools are also investigated. The output responses i.e., material removal rate and surface roughness of cryo-treated tools exhibit better results than untreated tool due to increase in strength, hardness and wear resistance.