The aim of the present investigation is to study the machinability of A356/
Al2O3 nanocomposites under dry machining conditions. The A356/Al2O3
nanocomposites specimens were originally fabricated using a combination
between the rheocasting and squeeze casting routes. The nanocomposites
were reinforced with Al2O3 particulates having 60 and 200 nm having different
volume fractions up to 5 vol.-%. The machinability of the A356/Al2O3
nanocomposites was investigated through measuring the cutting force
components (Fa, Fr and Fc), tool flank wear, surface roughness of the machined
specimens and the chip deformation ratio. The machinability parameters
were obtained under different machining conditions. The inserts manufactured
from coated carbides were used for machining the nanocomposites.
The results revealed that the machinability of nanocomposites was improved
by increasing the volume fraction and/or decreasing the nanoparticulates size.
However, the cutting force components as well as the flank tool wear increase
with increasing the volume fraction and/or the nanoparticulates size.