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Developments in cutting tool technology in improving machinability of Ti6Al4V alloy: A review

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Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture

Published online on

Abstract

Ti6Al4V is the most widely used titanium alloy and is a demanding material in applications requiring high specific strength and corrosion resistance, that is, aerospace, automobile and biomedical industries. However, the poor machinability of this alloy, resulting from its low thermal conductivity, high hardness at elevated temperatures, high chemical reactivity with the cutting tool and low elastic modulus, restricts its usage. As a result, the tool life in machining of Ti6Al4V is substantially less than conventional materials such as steel and aluminium. This work reviews the various techniques employed in improving the machinability of Ti6Al4V alloy, from the perspective of cutting tool technology. The focus is onto the parameters affecting tool life in machining of Ti6Al4V alloy with some trending techniques and their feasibility, considering the economics to develop the best techno-economic method.