Machinability prediction by means of ICME-based digital material shadow

The machinability of a material is one of the most important input parameters for an optimized process design. It determines, apart from the tool wear and the achievable chip removal rates, the surface integrity as well as the functionality of the finished component. The machinability of a material is dependent on the microstructure, controlled by the chemical composition and the heat treatment state, and thus offers a very wide field in the area of basic research and industrial application.

Within the framework of the project CRD-B1, an ICME-based digital material shadow should be developed to predict the machinability of the work material. This approach interlinks the material mechanisms, which proceed during manufacturing on different time and length scales. Therefore, the change in the material properties can be tracked and described numerically during the entire manufacturing chain. On this basis, weaknesses in the production chain and during the service life can be determined and eliminated. Thus, improved component performance can be achieved by tailor-made material microstructure, higher cost-effectiveness in production through computer-assisted process optimization, as well as shortened product development times by means of less trial and error run loops.