Development of Al-Sic MMC and Experimental investigation by Electro discharge machining - A Review

In recent years, aluminum alloy based metal matrix composites (MMC) are gaining importance in several aerospace and automobile applications. The researchers have adopted several processing techniques like ultrasonic assisted casting, powder metallurgy, high energy ball milling, and liquid stir casting for the production of Aluminum matrix composites. Different Aluminium alloys and reinforcements (SiC, B4C, Si3N4, AlN, TiC, TiB2) with varying % weight fraction have been used for development of AMC. The high abrasiveness of the SiC particles limits the conventional machining process. Rapid tool wear with poor performance even with advanced expensive tools categories it as a difficult-to-cut material. The use of nonconventional machining techniques in shaping aluminum metal matrix composites has generated considerable interest due to ease of machining. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) appears to be a promising technique for machining MMC by varying process parameters. In this paper, review on liquid stir casting followed by centrifugal casting and machining by EDM has been focused.