machinable

Machinable refers to the property of a material that allows it to be shaped or cut by machining processes. Machining involves using tools to remove material from a workpiece, creating a desired form and finish. Materials that are readily machinable can be cut, drilled, milled, and turned with relative ease and efficiency without significant damage to the cutting tool or the workpiece.

The machinability of a material is influenced by several factors, including its hardness, toughness, ductility, tensile strength, and the presence of abrasive particles. Softer materials generally exhibit better machinability than harder ones. Toughness, the ability to absorb energy before fracturing, can make machining more difficult, as it can lead to tearing and poor surface finish. Ductile materials may deform and clog cutting tools, while brittle materials can chip or fracture unpredictably.

Commonly machinable materials include many metals like aluminum, brass, mild steel, and plastics such as acetal and polycarbonate. The specific machining processes and cutting parameters (speed, feed, depth of cut) are chosen based on the material's properties to optimize material removal, surface finish, and tool life. Poor machinability can result in increased production time, higher costs due to tool wear and breakage, and lower quality finished parts.