Using electrophoresis supported micro millingrare earth element of ndfeb magnets improvement of workability

Research is being conducted on rare earth elements (REE) used in many industrial sectors, and some REEs are especially seen as very valuable materials with strategic importance in the production area. Due to the high mechanical properties of REEs, their machinability is difficult. Due to the hardness, brittleness, flammability, and combustibility in the atmosphere, developing more reliable and precise machining techniques has become necessary. This study proposed an alternative method to conventional micro milling (CMM), electrophoresis-assisted micro milling (EAMM), to increase the machinability of NdFeB magnets, one of the REEs. The study examined the effects of 3 different cutting speeds and 3 different voltage values on the performance characteristics. In addition, the effects of two different nanoparticles in the EAMM method were also examined. Experimental studies showed that increasing the voltage and cutting speed reduced the cutting force and surface roughness. While increasing the cutting speed increased the tool wear, increasing the voltage decreased the tool wear. Experimental results showed that the EAMM method increased the machinability. Keywords: Rare earth elements, micro-milling, electrophoresis, machinability