Machinability of AF 1410 and AerMet 100 High Strength Steel

The ultra-high strength steels, AF 1410 and AerMet 100, have improved fracture toughness and stress corrosion cracking resistance, desirable mechanical properties for naval aircraft landing gears. However, the absence of accurate machining information on the various operations necessary to manufacture these and other parts has limited the use of these alloys. Significant potential improvements of in-service life of aircraft components are not being realized, along with the resulting cost savings, because of the inability to forcast machining costs and productivity levels. Comprehensive, accurate machining data, when accompanied by a simple, easy-to-use cost analysis enables the potential contractor to competitively bid on manufacturing aircraft components, based on his equipment, scheduling, and personnel limitations. Current efficient techniques for machinability and grindability tests provide the maximum statistically validated results with a minimum investment of testing time. The combined relationship of cutting speed and feed on tool life or grinding wheel wear can usually be expressed as an equation which can support computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems. The author of this proposal has been producing machining and grinding information for various U.S. Government agencies and private industry since 1963.