Comparative machinability study on Ti54M titanium alloy in different heat treatment conditions

Abstract

In this study, the effect of microstructure on the machinability of Ti54M titanium alloy was investigated experimentally for the as-received (annealed), β-annealed and solution-treated plus aged conditions. Forces and temperature, that is, tool life, are mainly affected by variation in cutting speed and feed; therefore, the depth of cut was maintained constant while cutting speed and feed were varied. Ti54M alloy in annealed heat treatment condition showed the better machinability (in terms of specific forces, coefficient of friction and chip morphology) among all the analyzed alloys. This is due to the finer microstructure which enhanced the plastic deformability.