Machinability of nickel-base super alloys: a general review

Nickel-base super alloys (Inconel) are generally known to be one of the most difficult materials to machine because of their high hardness, high strength at high temperature, affinity to react with the tool materials, and low thermal diffusivity. This paper presents a general review of their material characteristics and properties together with their machinability assessment when using different cutting tools. The advantages and disadvantages of different tool materials with regard to the machining Inconel are highlighted.