Abstract
M.Ing.
This dissertation documents the stages involved in determining the parameters that
define surface integrity. Chapter one gives a basic introduction to the project; the
problem statement; scope of work and project obstacles. This chapter laid down the
requirements for the literature study in Chapters two and three.
The literature study discusses machining, high-speed machining, titanium alloys and
high speed machining of titanium alloys. Information from the literature study was
used to determine the experimental program presented in Chapter 4.
Two materials were investigated in this study: grade 2 titanium (commercially pure)
and grade 5 titanium (an alloy containing 6% Aluminium and 4% Vanadium). A fixed
feed rate of 0.25mm/rev was selected. Two depths of cut were used: 0.2mm and 1mm.
Cuts were performed both lubricated and un-lubricated. Different cutting speeds were
used both inside and outside recommended ranges.
Surface roughness tests, optical microscopy, scanning-electron microscopy, microhardness
tests and x-ray diffraction were used in the experimental program. Results
obtained presented trends seen in previous work on surface integrity. Efforts were
made to reduce errors in obtaining and examining data.
Conclusions were drawn with regards to each surface integrity parameter tested for. It
was found that different cutting speeds affect each surface integrity parameter
differently.