The influence of milling parameters on the material hardness in the case of magnesium alloy AZ61A

This study was conducted in order to determine the material hardness value due to modification of the milling cutting parameters. The alloy hardness was analysed as a function of different cutting parameters for milling operations (speed, feed and depth of cut), using a face mill. A total number of 17 samples were machined using parameters obtained by combining the input parameters. The total number of combinations is reduced by a preoptimization, using the DesignExpert software. The cutting process was performed in dry conditions, and it was recorded that dry cutting magnesium-aluminium alloy AZ61A with the used parameters did not lead to chip ignition. The surface hardness was determined based on the Vickers scale (HV), its values ranging from 110.59 [HV] to 121.37 [HV]. The obtained results showed that the feed has a significant contribution in the surface harness modification. The application of the Taguchi method reveals that the material hardness can be improved, together with the manufacturing time, by means of the speed, feed and depth of cut maximization.