Effect of Cutting Tool Materials on Surface Roughness and Cutting Forces in Machining of $Al-Si_3N_4$ Composite Produced by Powder Metallurgy

Aluminum-based composites reinforced with various amounts of $\alpha-Si_3N_4$ were produced by powder metallurgy (P/M). The machinability properties of $MMC_s$ were determined by means of cutting forces and surface roughness. Machining tests were carried out by using PCD and K10 tools. Increasing of $Si_3N_4$ volume fraction in the matrix resulted in a decrease of the surface roughness and turning forces. PCD cutting tools showed better cutting performance than K10 tools.