High speed facing of age hardened Inconel 718 using silicon carbide whisker reinforced ceramic tools

This investigation involves the study of the performance of silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumna tools for high speed facing operation of age hardened Inconel 718. Machining tests were conducted using round inserts at cutting speeds ranging from 150 to 450 m/min, feed rate of 0.10 to 0.20mm/rev and depth of cut ranging from 1.0 to 2.0mm. The different tool failure modes and their mechanisms, effects of cutting conditions on the tool wear, cutting forces, tool life, material removal rate, total material removed and surface finish were studied. A cutting speed of 300m/min was the best among the cutting conditions tested.