Friction drilling of IN-713LC cast superalloy

Friction drilling utilizes the heat generated from the friction between the rotating conical tool and the workpiece for hole-making. The process produces no chips and incurs less tool wear, thus lengthening the service life of the drill. In this study, IN-713LC, a nickel-based superalloy, was friction-drilled under different rotation speeds and feed rates. Material properties including hardness, roundness, and surface roughness (Ra) were examined after machining. Experimental results reveal that hardness is greater near the hole's wall and decreases with increasing distance from hole's edge. Moreover, higher rotation speed and faster feed rate can yield better roundness and smoother Ra.