TITLE:
Some Preliminary Metallurgical Studies on Grain Size and Density of Work Material used in Micro Turning Operation
AUTHORS:
A. S. Patil, H. K. Dave, R. Balasubramaniam, K. P. Desai, H. K. Raval
KEYWORDS:
Micro turning, grain size measurement, grain counting method, linear interceptmethod
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.9,
September
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: One important process in tool based micro machining technology is CNC micro turning which
has the capability to produce 3D structures on micro scale. The major drawback of micro
turning process is that the machining force influences machining accuracy and the limit of
machinable size and shape. Therefore, the control of reactive force during cutting is an
important factor in improving machining accuracy. The properties of work material significantly
affect the cutting force generated during turning process. Commercially available metal rods are
inhomogeneous and hence, qualifying the right material is very crucial in micro turning. Unlike
plates, the properties like grain size and density vary significantly at different locations of the
round bars. Hence, it is found very important to systematically find right material for micro
turning from the commercially available rods. In present study, an attempt has been made to
study the grain size and density of blank material from different locations of a larger diameter
shaft. The work material selected is a 32 mm diameter shaft of commercial brass, a non ferrous
alloy of copper and zinc. Five samples from different radial locations are cut from this shaft. It is
found that grains are coarser at centre and finer towards the periphery of the shaft. Further,
local density is less at centre and high at periphery of the shaft.