Author : Shrinivas Jadhav, Jaywant Sankpal, Mukesh Chaudhari and Nilesh Patil

Metal matrix composites have superior mechanical properties contrary to metals over a wide range of working conditions. This makes them a prominent option in replacing metals for different engineering applications. These materials are developed for engine blocks, bearing for propeller vanes, steering system, drive shafts in aircraft. Particle reinforced aluminium MMCs have received considerable attention due to their excellent engineering properties like high strength to weight ratio, high toughness, high impact strength etc. But these materials are usually regarded as extremely hard to machine, because of the abrasive characteristics of the reinforced particulates. It is also acknowledged that their machining behaviour is not fully understood. Amongst all machining processes, drilling is the most frequently useful for secondary machining of composite materials due to the need for joining the structure. The literature reviewed here is the effect of drilling parameters like feed rate, drilling tool and its geometry, cutting speed and other parameters like influence of coolants, heat treatment etc. on the quality of hole. The drilling characteristics were reviewed in terms of drilling forces, tool wear, and the surface quality of drilled-hole and their improvements.

Keywords: Metal matrix composites, MMC, surface roughness, conventional machining, wear mechanism, tool life.