Nickel Aluminum Bronze Processing Guide
Nickel aluminum bronze is relatively easy to machine on modern CNC equipment. Depending on the alloy, the machinability rating varies between 20 and 50 (100 for free-machining brass). Giving accurate machining guidelines remains difficult because feed rates and speeds depend on the size and life of the CNC lathe used. This article attempts to provide some general guidelines so you know where to start.
lubricating
Lubrication is recommended when machining nickel aluminum bronze, especially where tight tolerances are required. As with other copper-based alloys, the heat generated by metal machining causes expansion, which causes contraction when the part cools, which can push the part out of tolerance.
tool
Nickel aluminum bronze alloys can produce curled chips.
This can clog the tool and cause surface defects. Especially when machining holes. It is best to have chip breaking contours and adequate lubrication, sometimes under high pressure, to allow chips to be removed from the cutting surface.
Another option is to retract the tool periodically to prevent excessive metal buildup. Coated carbide titanium indexable inserts are recommended for roughing and removing most stock. To remove heavy metals, the size of the tip needs to be increased.
Alloy machinability
C95500 Nickel Aluminum Bronze-50
C63000 AMS 4640 Nickel Aluminum Bronze-30
C95510 AMS 4880 Terminium Aluminum Bronze-50
