Machinability of zinc alloy based particulate metal matrix composites

Interest in metal matrix composites (MMCs) for various structural applications has increased over the last few years, thereby demanding systematic evaluation of machi-nability of the composite materials. This paper presents the results of turning tests in which machinability par-ameters like feed rates and depth of cut are kept constant and the cutting speed is varied in machining ZA-27/grap-hite pariculate composites. The influence of these ceramic reinforcements on the cutting forces, material removal rate, chip length and the power required were evaluated. It was found that cutting forces required in machining the composites is less than that required in machining the base alloy.