Machining (Topic: 16020)

The physical and mechanical properties of aluminium enables most of its alloys to be easily machined at very high speeds. Properties such as low density, high thermal conductivity, low modulus of elasticity and low shear modulus are all advantageous to the machinability. However, alloys in the soft condition tend to cause problems, such as build up on the tool, large chips, chip blockage, tearing and glazing of the workpiece etc. These effects place some special demands upon the tool and the machining performance.

Normally, the alloys should be machined in the hardest possible condition, and you should, if possible choose a hardenable alloy. A proper choice of alloy, i.e. a free-cutting alloy, might lead to a considerable reduction in the machining costs.

References: [2,3,6,7]