[14] reported that
optimum cutting is influenced by a coefficient of a probabilistic
nature in relation to the constraints, but allowable power, time
and machining cost were not considered among these constraints.
Friedman and Tipnis [15] introduced the R-T-F concepts
for the selection of cutting conditions, and found the
optimum cutting condition for milling at a point on the curve
of the R-T-F characteristic equation. However, this method is
restricted to a specific cutting condition range. Fenton and
Joseph [16] considered the tool life, which is influenced by
cutting speed, feedrate, depth of cut and tool geometry, under
conditions of maximum production rate, minimum machining
cost and maximum profit rate, but in this case also the constraints
were not considered. The aim of the present study was
thus to investigate the economics of machining in relation tochanges of cutting speed, feedrate and depth of cut. The
cutting speeds corresponding to minimum machining cost and
maximum production rate were selected by using cutting input
data with a computer program. In particular, an important
feature of this study is the surface Si extraction level during
the cutting of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys. For this reason, the
constraints corresponding to surface Si extraction are considered.
In addition, the tool life equation involving depth of
cut, feedrate and the economics of hypereutectic Al-Si alloy
machining is analysed.