Preparation and milling performance of 316L stainless steel network-reinforced ZA8 zinc alloy composites

To address the problems of poor machinability of dual-metal network composites and unclear material removal mechanisms, this paper fabricated 316L stainless steel porous networks by selective laser melting technology, and prepared 316L network-reinforced ZA8 composites via squeeze casting process. The microstructure and dry milling performance were investigated. The composites formed dense three-dimensional interpenetrating structures, and an Al-enriched interfacial layer containing the Al 0 . 983 Cr 0 . 017 intermetallic compound was identified at the interface. The cutting force fluctuation amplitude of the composites was larger than that of pure ZA8 alloy, with an optimal cutting speed of 75 m/min. The surface roughness of the composite first decreased then increased but that of the ZA8 alloy continuesd to decrease with the increase of cutting speed. The cutting force and surface roughness of the composite increased with the increase of feed rate and depth of cut and machining defects were mainly concentrated at the interface.