Machinability of Nickel Based Superalloys: A Review

Abstract Nickel based superalloys are generally known difficult to machine materials because of their toughness, high heat resistance and high operating temperatures, hardness, strength to weight ratio and chemical property to react with tool materials, low thermal conductivity and creep resistance. Although these whole properties are necessary design requirements, they cause a greater challenge to manufacturing engineers due to the high temperatures and stresses generated during machining. The tool materials with better hardness like carbides, ceramics and CBN are regularly used for machining of Nickel based Super alloys. Betterments in machining productivity can be attaining with the advanced machining techniques such as rotary machining. The Nickel based superalloys mainly used to turbine parts as well as high temperature elements. This paper presents a detailed review of the development, classification, applications of Nickel based superalloys. And also presents processing of Nickel based superalloys including microstructure, tool materials, and effect of cutting parameters, and use of coolant supply and the integrity of machined surface.