Dr Alexander Graves

Dr. Alexander Graves undertook a Sandvik-sponsored project with the aim of developing an understanding within the area of titanium machinability. He conducted small and large-scale machinability studies for drilling and turning processes, aiming to underpin the mechanisms by which WC/Co tools wear for a range of titanium alloys and facilitate the advancement of Sandvik products used for near-β titanium alloy machining. The interaction between the tool and workpieces was of key importance, given the critical nature of the components utilizing such alloys, and understanding the impact of tooling strategies on microstructural deformation and fatigue life was crucial for near-β titanium alloy machining. 

The aforementioned work was completed through the development of novel machinability testing methods and the application of high-resolution microscopy, XRD analysis, and spectroscopy techniques on the tool and machined surfaces.