3. Machined and machining materials

3.1 Machined materials

Increasingly, metallurgists are developing new materials to meet downstream demands (better machinability, greater mechanical strength, greater hardness, etc.). Machinability and mechanical properties are antagonistic . Refractory alloys, high-alloy steels in their hardened state, alloyed cast irons... are often difficult to machine using conventional processes.

A recent study of hard machining applications shows that 66% of them involve treated steels, 26% cover cast irons and 8% superalloys and other materials (figure