Grinding of Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with Silicon-Carbide Particles

This paper studies the grindability of metal matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles. A two-level factorial experiment was set up to investigate the effects of reinforcement volume, grinding parameters, and grinding wheel materials. While increasing the force and specific energy in grinding, the SiC particles are fractured along cleavage planes rather than being machined by grinding grains. Smearing of aluminum matrix masks the effect of grinding parameters on surface finish measurement. Increasing material removal rate causes an increasing of grinding forces but a decreasing of specific energy. Diamond wheels are recommended for both rough- and fine-grinding of the tested composites.