Electrochemical Machining of Cartridge Chamber and Rifling Contours for Small Arms
Abstract
The feasibility of electrochemically machining rifling and cartridge chamber contours in gun barrels was determined. Electrochemical machining (ECM) tests were conducted using single-electrode, continuous-feed, straight-plunge cutting. Multiple-groove, straight rifling was formed successfully in 7.62mm and 20mm, Cr-Mo-V steel (MIL-S-46047) gun barrel sections. Cartridge chambers were machined in 20mm sections of AISI 1018 cold rolled steel and Cr-Mo-V steel. Although ECM tests were successful with the mild steel (1018), shape and surface-finish tolerances were not concurrently achieved in the low alloy steel (Cr-Mo-V). Test results did indicate that ECM of cartridge chambers in the low alloy steel could be possible with additional experimentation. Based on program test results and state-of-the-art, when compared to the efficiencies of other forming processes such as rotary forging and broaching, it is recommended that no immediate efforts be made to apply ECM in the production of small arms gun barrels. However, future developments in ECM should be monitored for application of small arms rifling and chambering, especially for gain twist rifled gun barrels. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031830
Entities
People
- Charles Maiorano
- Raymond A. Kirschbaum