Effect of HSS and Tungsten Carbide Tools on Surface Roughness of Aluminium Alloy during Turning Operation

Abstract

This paper presents investigation of the effects of cutting tool on the surface roughness during the turning of locally sourced aluminum alloy using High speed steel and Tungsten carbide as cutting tools. The cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were conditions selected for the study. The aluminium alloy used as workpiece was locally sourced and the chemical analysis was carried out on the alloy to determine its elemental composition. Experiments were carried out at intervals of 10 minutes cutting time for seven different cutting speeds (Vc) of 300- 600m/min. feed rates (f) of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6mm/rev and a constant depth of cut (d) of 1.0mm. The results obtained showed that the surface roughness of the aluminum alloy can be improved upon with higher cutting speed and lower feed rate. Surface roughness value of 1.98 µm was obtained at cutting speed of 600 m/min and feed rate of 0.2 mm/rev as compared with surface roughness value of 2.19 µm at 600 m/rev and feed rate of 0.6 mm/rev.