Generation of defects due to machining of TiAl intermetallic compound and their effects on mechanical strength

The generation of machining defects and their effect on bending strength characteristics are discussed with respect to a TiAl intermetallic compound, which is attracting much attention as a high-temperature structural material because of its high specific strength. The discussion focuses on the mechanism of the formation of edge chipping and machined surface cracks during cutting of a TiAl intermetallic compound. Also, some effects of these machining defects on the bending strength are clarified. The comparison of cutting results with abrasive machining results helps clarify the dependence of strength on undeformed chip thickness during chip generation of machining processes.