Characterisation and applications of electrodischarge machined cast aluminium alloy surfaces
Authors: Popoola, O.O.1; Zaluzec, M.J.1; Haack, L.2
Source: Surface Engineering, Volume 15, Number 4, August 1999 , pp. 329-334(6)
Publisher: Maney Publishing
Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry have been used to characterise cast aluminium surfaces after electrodischarge machining (EDM) using copper electrodes. Depending on the machining conditions EDM produces a surface recast layer, about 20100
m thick, with significantly higher hardness than the underlying substrate. For example, the surface hardness of Al 319 was increased from 45 to 65 HK by EDM. HREM and XPS analyses showed that the increase in surface hardness was a result of the formation and dispersion of fine SiC particles in a rapidly resolidified solid solution of CuAl. Important tribological applications of electrodischarge machining of aluminium alloys include surface preparation for enhanced thermal spray coating adhesion and abrasive wear resistance improvement on parent aluminium surfaces.
Document Type: Regular paper
DOI: 10.1179/026708499101516704
Affiliations: 1: The Manufacturing Systems Department, Ford Research Laboratory, MD 3135, PO Box 2053, Dearborn, 48121, MI, USA 2: The Chemistry Department, Ford Research Laboratory, MD 3135, PO Box 2053, Dearborn, 48121, MI, USA

Click here for Page Help