Silicon carbide aluminum matrix composite

which has excellent thermal conductivity

high specific strength and specific stiffness

will be widely applied in the field of aerospace. However

the reinforced phase in this composite results in poor machined surface quality and severe tool wear. Therefore

the influence of SiCp/Al materials with different particle contents (nanometer-level 5% and micron-level 25%) and cutting parameters (cutting speed

cutting depth and feed rate) on tool wear and machined surface quality were analyzed through experiments. The tool wear mechanism was also analyzed. The experimental results showed that PCD tool wear was more serious and the machined surface quality was worse when turning 25% SiCp/Al composite with micron-level particles. With the increases of feed rate and cutting depth

the machined surface roughness increased

and the rake face was seriously worn. With the increase of cutting speed

the surface roughness of the workpiece decreased

and the wear of rake face increased. Under the cutting parameters used in this research

the tool abrasive wear and blade breakage were the main wear mechanisms for PCD inserts

and built-up edge (BUE) will be generated on rake face of the cutting tool. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the turning process of SiCp/Al composite with PCD tools.