Effect of copper addition to aluminium alloys on surface roughness in terms of turning operation

Aluminium alloys have found usage in numerous industries due to some superior properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratios and high oxidation resistance. Aluminum alloys can be strengthened by some techniques. One of them, the most practical one, is precipitation hardening in aluminum alloys. By adding Cu, aluminum gains strength and hardness. In this work the machinability of unalloyed aluminum and aluminum alloyed with 4% and 8% of Cu have been investigated. Machinability assessment was executed in terms of surface roughness during turning operation. Specimens were manufactured by sand casting method, which is a commonly utilized casting operation. In machinability experiments, three different cutting tool materials were employed. Three different cutting speeds and three different feed rates have been used. Effect of these feeds, speeds and cutting tool materials on surface roughness has been studied. In addition, effect of Cu addition to aluminum alloys on surface roughness has been examined.