title = "Machining Common Engineering Materials"

content = """
Different materials present unique machining challenges based on hardness,
toughness, thermal conductivity, and work-hardening characteristics. Understanding
material-specific strategies improves efficiency and results.

**Aluminum Alloys (1xxx, 2xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx):**
Soft, gummy, excellent thermal conductivity. Use sharp, high-helix tools with
polished flutes to prevent chip welding. High speeds possible (800-1500+ SFM with
carbide). 2xxx and 7xxx series are harder but more abrasive; 6xxx (6061) is
most common and machinable. Watch for burr formation on exit edges.

**Carbon and Alloy Steels (1018, 4140, 4340):**
Versatile ferrous materials. Low-carbon steels are gummy; high-carbon harder and
more abrasive. Use TiAlN-coated carbide tools. 4140 pre-hard (28-32 HRC) machines
well; 40+ HRC requires slower speeds or CBN tooling. SFM range: 200-600 for carbide.

**Stainless Steels (303, 304, 316, 17-4):**
Austenitic grades (300 series) work-harden rapidly and generate heat. Use sharp
positive-rake tools, climb milling where possible, and aggressive feeds to stay
below the work-hardened layer. 303 (free-machining) adds sulfur for chip breaking;
316 is toughest. Avoid rubbing; once work-hardened, machining becomes difficult.

**Titanium (Grade 2, Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V):**
Poor thermal conductivity concentrates heat at the cutting edge. Low elastic
modulus causes spring-back and vibration. Use low cutting speeds (50-150 SFM),
high feed rates, sharp tools with positive rake, and generous coolant. Minimize
air cutting and maintain steady engagement.

**Inconel and Nickel Alloys (625, 718):**
Extremely heat-resistant and work-hardening. Machine in the annealed state when
possible. Use rigid setups, low speeds (30-80 SFM), positive rake angles, and
ceramic or CBN tools for high-speed finishing. Continuous cuts preferred over
interrupted cutting.

**Cast Iron (Gray, Ductile):**
Graphite content provides self-lubrication but is abrasive. Gray iron machines
easily with carbide or ceramic tools. Ductile iron is tougher and more similar
to steel. High speeds possible (400-800 SFM). Dust collection recommended for
fine graphite particles.

**Plastics and Composites:**
Plastics require sharp tools, high speeds, and minimal heat to prevent melting
or distortion. Thermoplastics (acetal, nylon) machine cleanly; thermosets (phenolic)
are brittle. Composites require diamond-coated tools to handle abrasive fibers.
Avoid delamination by using high speeds and appropriate feed rates.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
