Grindability study of intermetallic titanium aluminide using various abrasive wheels

Abstract

Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti) based superalloys satisfy the properties of a material suitable for high-performance applications. Titanium aluminide (γTiAl) is a classic example that finds wide application in aerospace and automobile industries. Even though γTiAl is having attractive mechanical and thermal properties, a widespread use of this material is restricted due their poor machinability and high procuring and processing cost. γTiAl during machining often have adverse impact on tool life and surface quality. At room temperature the material exhibits high brittleness and hardness, which along with a low ductility, lower thermal conductivity and fracture toughness, high temperature dependent strength and chemical reactivity with many tool materials. This often makes its machining a challenging task and the material is often considered under the category of difficult to machine material. Majority of the present TiAl components used in aerospace industry undergoes grinding operation. A wider investigation is necessary to understand the grindability of this material, as the variation of composition of the grinding wheel have significant influence on the machining. A consistent and economical machining is essential for the wide recognition of this promising material for wider industrial application. The paper investigates the grindability of intermetallic γTiAl using various abrasive wheels.