Quartz is one of the difficult-to-machine materials due to its low fracture toughness and high hardness. In this study, the machinability of this material during single point diamond turning (SPDT) was numerically investigated using finite element method (FEM). First of all, the accuracy of the FE model was verified based on the experimental data available in literature. Then, the machinability of quartz was analysed in terms of cutting force, tool/workpiece temperature and tool wear rate. Also, the influence of tool vibration on cutting force and tool wear rate was investigated. Furthermore, an empirical/mathematical model was developed to express the machining outputs as a function of the micro-machining parameters. The obtained results indicate the good performance of FEM in analysing the machinability of quartz during SPDT process.
