Transactions of Famena, vol.48, no.2, pp.1-16, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Heat-assisted machining is one of the methods used to process moderate to difficult-to- machine materials. Laser, plasma, induction current, oxy-gas flame, and electric current are the primary energy sources used for preheating. In this paper, the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) technique is used, which can be considered an alternative and economical energy source for preheating. Both conventional and TIG-assisted machining (TIGAM) experiments in the same cutting conditions are performed and the results are compared. In the TIGAM method, the specific cutting force (kc1.1) decreases due to the increase in the work material temperature (Tmr). The decrease of kc1.1 provides a maximum reduction of specific cutting energy (ESC) of 17.17%. Thus, plastic deformation of the chip is facilitated, and the chip shrinkage coefficient (λ) decreases. The cutting process is conducted with a high material removal rate (MRR) using a carbide cutting tool using the TIGAM method.