Comparison of machinability of manganese alloyed austempered ductile iron produced using conventional and two step austempering processes

Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) is a revolutionary material with high strength and hardness combined with optimum ductility and toughness. The discovery of two step austempering process has lead to the superior combination of all the mechanical properties. However, because of the high strength and hardness of ADI, there is a concern regarding its machinability. In the present study, machinability of ADI produced using conventional and two step heat treatment processes is assessed using tool life and the surface roughness. Speed, feed and depth of cut are considered as the machining parameters in the dry turning operation. The machinability results along with the mechanical properties are compared for ADI produced using both conventional and two step austempering processes. The results have shown that two step austempering process has produced better toughness with good hardness and strength without sacrificing ductility. Addition of 0.64 wt% manganese did not cause any detrimental effect on the machinability of ADI, both in conventional and two step processes. Marginal improvement in tool life and surface roughness were observed in two step process compared to that with conventional process.