Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Aluminum-Silicon Carbide Particulate Metal Matrix Composites

Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (PRMMC's) have proved to be extremely difficult to machine using conventional manufacturing processes due to heavy tool wear caused by the presence of the hard reinforcement. This paper presents details and results of an investigation into the machinability of SiC particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites using Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM). Al-SiC MMC specimens, prepared with stir casting method. The surface roughness of the composite material for these different compositions are examined and compared. The influence of the ceramic particle reinforcement on the machining process was analyzed.