Title: Surface finish based analysis of turned titanium alloys workpieces

Authors: M. Huerta, M. Sanchez Carrilero, M. Alvarez, J. Salguero, M. Marcos, P. Arroyo

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Department, University of Cadiz, c/ Chile 1, E-11002, Cadiz, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Department, University of Cadiz, c/ Chile 1, E-11002, Cadiz, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Department, University of Cadiz, c/ Chile 1, E-11002, Cadiz, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Department, University of Cadiz, c/ Chile 1, E-11002, Cadiz, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Department, University of Cadiz, c/ Chile 1, E-11002, Cadiz, Spain. ' AIRBUS MILITARY – Tablada, Avda. Garcia Morato s/n, 41011 Sevilla, Spain

Abstract: Titanium alloy-based airship parts must be machined under high surface finish requirements. Previous works have shown the relationship between the surface roughness and the tool changes in the first instants of turning processes. From these results, new tests have been performed in an aeronautical factory, showing that surface quality is strongly influenced by the tool surface changes in form of built-up edge (BUE) and built-up layer (BUL). SEM/EDS analysis has shown that these effects take place sequentially. BUL is quickly formed as stratified TiOx films, changing the tool surface. This allows developing BUE. Evolution of both effects provokes an Ra reduction with the length of machining. On the other hand, feed, f, is the most influent cutting parameter in the Ra value. Furthermore, a quasi-linear model Ra(f) has been found for describing the relationship between roughness and feed.

Keywords: titanium alloys; surface finish; surface roughness; turning; aerospace manufacturing; aeronautics; surface quality; built-up edges; built-up layers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2010.036064

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2010 Vol.3 No.5/6, pp.380 - 392

Published online: 17 Oct 2010 *

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