The Influence of Tool Wear on the Mechanical Performance of AA6061-T6 Refill Friction Stir Spot Welds

The Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) process—an alternative solid-state joining technology—has gained momentum in the last decade for the welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys. Previous studies have addressed the influence of the RFSSW process on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the AA6061-T6 alloy. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how the tool wear influences the welding mechanical behavior for this alloy. The present work intended to evaluate and understand the influence of RFSSW tool wear on the mechanical performance of AA6061-T6 welds. Firstly, the welding parameters were optimized through the Designing of Experiments (DoE), to maximize the obtained ultimate lap shear force (ULSF) response. Following the statistical analysis, an optimized condition was found that reached a ULSF of 8.45 ± 0.08 kN. Secondly, the optimized set of welding parameters were applied to evaluate the wear undergone by the tool. The loss of worn-out material was systematically investigated by digital microscopy and the assessment of tool weight loss. Tool-wear-related microstructural and local mechanical property changes were assessed and compared with the yielded ULSF, and showed a correlation. Further investigations demonstrated the influence of tool wear on the height of the hook, which was located at the interface between the welded plates and, consequently, its effects on the observed fracture mechanisms and ULSF. These results support the understanding of tool wear mechanisms and helped to evaluate the tool lifespan for the selected commercial RFSSW tool which is used for aluminum alloys.

Influence of Tool Wear on Form Deviations in Dry Machining of UNS A97075 Alloy

Geometrical tolerances play a very important role in the functionality and assembly of parts made of light alloys for aeronautical applications. These parts are frequently machined in dry conditions. Under these conditions, the tool wear becomes one of the most important variables that influence geometrical tolerances. In this work, the influence of tool wear on roundness, straightness and cylindricity of dry-turned UNS A97075 alloy has been analyzed. The tool wear and form deviations evolution as a function of the cutting parameters and the cutting time has been assessed. In addition, the predominant tool wear mechanisms have been checked. The experimental results revealed that the indirect adhesion wear (BUL and BUE) was the main tool-wear mechanism, with the feed being the most influential cutting parameter. The combination of high feed and low cutting speed values resulted in the highest tool wear. The analyzed form deviations showed a general trend to increase with both cutting parameters. The tool wear and the form deviations tend to increase with the cutting time only within the intermediate range of feed tested. As the main novelty, a relationship between the cutting parameters, the cutting time (and, indirectly, the tool wear) and the analyzed form deviations has been found.

Machining of Titanium Metal Matrix Composites: Progress Overview

The TiC particles in titanium metal matrix composites (TiMMCs) make them difficult to machine. As a specific MMC, it is legitimate to wonder if the cutting mechanisms of TiMMCs are the same as or similar to those of MMCs. For this purpose, the tool wear mechanisms for turning, milling, and grinding are reviewed in this paper and compared with those for other MMCs. In addition, the chip formation and morphology, the material removal mechanism and surface quality are discussed for the different machining processes and examined thoroughly. Comparisons of the machining mechanisms between the TiMMCs and MMCs indicate that the findings for other MMCs should not be taken for granted for TiMMCs for the machining processes reviewed. The increase in cutting speed leads to a decrease in roughness value during grinding and an increase of the tool life during turning. Unconventional machining such as laser-assisted turning is effective to increase tool life. Under certain conditions, a “wear shield” was observed during the early stages of tool wear during turning, thereby increasing tool life considerably. The studies carried out on milling showed that the cutting parameters affecting surface roughness and tool wear are dependent on the tool material. The high temperatures and high shears that occur during machining lead to microstructural changes in the workpiece during grinding, and in the chips during turning. The adiabatic shear band (ASB) of the chips is the seat of the sub-grains’ formation. Finally, the cutting speed and lubrication influenced dust emission during turning but more studies are needed to validate this finding. For the milling or grinding, there are major areas to be considered for thoroughly understanding the machining behavior of TiMMCs (tool wear mechanisms, chip formation, dust emission, etc.).