Cost Analysis of Using Hybrid Microwave Post-Sintered Silicon Nitride Inserts

E-ISSN： 1662-8985|2015|1115|192-195

ISSN： 1022-6680

Source： Advanced Materials Research, Vol.2015, Iss.1115, 2015-08, pp. : 192-195

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Heat treatment is a process often used to improve product performance by increasing the strength of material or other desirable characteristics. Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) tool insert is known for its attractive properties including high fracture toughness, strength and wear resistance at elevated temperatures. Heat treating these inserts by post-sintering them for 15 minutes at 600°C using conventional heating and hybrid microwave energy has prolonged tool life by 11-21% and 48-94% respectively. Machining was performed on a T6061 Aluminium alloy rod for tool life analysis at three different cutting speeds; 215, 314 and 393 m/min. Cost analysis is performed on these post-sintered Si₃N₄ inserts and found that there are economical benefits in the tooling cost when compared with the untreated Si₃N₄ inserts.