Friction-stir processing is a green manufacturing process for surface composite fabrication and surface modification. To achieve this critical goal, the type of cooling and lubrication are of great importance. Therefore, in this paper, the cryogenic effects were investigated on friction-stir processing (FSP) tool wear and surface quality of an aluminum matrix nanocomposite. Silicon carbide (SiC) nanopowder was used as the reinforcing phase. The effects of cooling strategy and tool rotation speed on the tool wear, microhardness, surface roughness, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were studied. The cooling procedure was conducted under dry and cryogenic conditions. Additionally, the rotation speed was set at three levels, while other parameters were kept constant. The FSP tools were examined under a scanning electron microscope, and the wear mechanisms were investigated under different conditions. The results showed that tool wear, surface roughness, and microhardness were improved under cryogenic conditions compared to air conditions. Furthermore, in the presence of liquid nitrogen, the metal matrix composite did not exhibit any microstructural defects, such as micro-cracks. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis also demonstrated that SiC had better penetration into the base material under cryogenic conditions compared to dry conditions. تفاصيل المقالة

Hardened steels are commonly used in wide areas of technologies and industries. In respect of poor machinability of these steels and requirement of expensive cutting tools, study of machining economy is a matter of importance. Thus the present study deals with the economic considerations of various hole making processes. For this purpose, the hard steel samples were machined by conventional drilling and modern helical milling with and without predrilling. The experiments were performed on AISI D2 steel workpieces with a hardness of 52 HRC. The tool wear, surface roughness, cutting forces and machining time were measured. Results revealed that despite general knowledge, applying predrilling step is not a suitable strategy in hole making on hardened steels. Furthermore, helical milling enhances the efficiency of process by improvement of tool life and surface roughness and reducing the cutting forces. The aforementioned results make helical milling a more economical process than conventional drilling. تفاصيل المقالة