Chemical Engineering Basics - Engineering

Q1:

Cemented carbide tools are not suitable for cutting

A aluminium

B brass

C cast iron

D steel

ANS:A - aluminium

Cemented carbide tools are not generally suitable for cutting aluminium. While cemented carbide tools are highly effective for cutting a wide range of materials, including steel, cast iron, and brass, they are less suitable for cutting aluminium. This is because aluminium has a tendency to adhere to the cutting edge of cemented carbide tools, leading to built-up edge (BUE) formation and poor surface finish on the workpiece. Additionally, aluminium has a relatively low melting point compared to other metals, which can lead to thermal softening and rapid tool wear when machining with cemented carbide tools. For cutting aluminium, other tool materials such as high-speed steel (HSS) or polycrystalline diamond (PCD) are often preferred due to their better resistance to built-up edge formation and lower affinity for aluminium. Additionally, special coatings or surface treatments may be applied to cemented carbide tools to improve their performance when cutting aluminium, but they may still not be as effective as other tool materials specifically designed for aluminium machining.