An investigation of sustained machining performance for controlled surface quality requirements in porous tungsten

The work presented in this paper focuses on sustaining machining performance in face contour turning of porous tungsten for controlled surface quality requirements. A study of the combined effects of tool geometry (i.e., cutting edge radius, tool nose radius, clearance angle, included angle, etc.), tool material (carbide and diamond tool inserts), work material properties, and machining conditions (cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed) on the porosity in the face-contour turning of porous tungsten was undertaken. Correlations are shown between the cutting edge radius and the cutting forces which progressively increase in continuous cutting as a result of progressive tool-wear. This research establishes the possibility of developing a base of knowledge from which an analytical model can be produced to predict smearing on the machined surface.