Machining of Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum (CoCrMo) Alloys: A Review

Cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are not only broadly applied in engineering fields but also in manufacturing of surgical implants components and medical devices due to its outstanding properties of wear resistance and great biocompatibility as demanding in the vivo environment. However, these alloys classified as difficult to cut materials as it presents several characteristics such as high hardness, low thermal conductivity, high wear resistance and strain hardening which contribute to its poor machinability. Although these CoCrMo alloys are theoretically similar to titanium alloy in terms of properties but the studies on machining of CoCrMo alloys still insufficient. This paper provides a review on machining aspects of cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys including the properties and machinability, cutting fluid methods and tool material selection for these alloys.