Excessive consumption analysis of gray cast iron machining Inserts

Abstract

This research presents the analysis of a machining problem in gray iron parts supplied by an Agricultural Implements Industry. The parts exhibited high strength, resulting in frequent breakage of the cutting inserts and the need to reduce the machine speeds during machining. Corrective actions included collecting a sample of the item for metallography tests, and through metallurgical analysis, the predominance of the form and distribution of the microstructure and the presence of structures whose characteristics may be an influential factor hindering machining, due to abrasive action on the cutting tools, were revealed. This study highlights the influence of microstructural constituents on the machinability of gray cast iron, suggesting that the formation of carbides or steadite in metastable solidification systems compromises tool performance during the machining process.