Investigation of Force Reduction in Ultrasonic Assisted Drilling of Al/SiCp Metal Matrix Composite

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have received considerable attention due to their excellent engineering properties. The hardness and abrasive nature of reinforcement phase causes high drilling force and rapid tool wear during drilling. In this paper, ultrasonic vibration is presented in drilling of Al/SiCp MMC. Al/SiCp MMC with 15wt% of particulate SiC in dry drilling operation with TiN coated drill tools were investigated. The effect of ultrasonic assistance on surface roughness, thrust forces and torque is studied. The results demonstrate that under suitable ultrasonic vibration conditions, the surface roughness, thrust forces and torque reduced in comparison to conventional drilling.

Keywords:

Drilling , Ultrasonic assisted , Drilling force , Metal Matrix Composite