Process Mechanics and Surface Integrity Induced by Dry and Cryogenic Machining of AZ31B-O Magnesium Alloy

The corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys depends mainly on its surface integrity. Previous experimental studies have shown that machining can induces small (nano-scale) grain size, compressive residual stresses and basal plane crystallographic texture, which significantly improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy. These studies have focused on the positive effects of cryogenic cooling and tool edge radius preparation. In this paper, the influence of a wide range of cutting process parameters (including cutting speed, feed, tool rake angle, tool edge radius and cooling conditions) acting on the cutting mechanics and surface integrity produced during machining of AZ31B-O magnesium alloy have been studied experimentally and numerically.