Enhanced tool wear characteristics of carbide tool inserts having a novel surface structure

This paper presents the result of an investigation into the cutting characteristics of
electrical discharge machined (EDMed) surface-modified carbide cutting tool inserts. The tool inserts
were coated with Titanium Nitride (TiN) by physical vapour deposition (PVD) method. In this study,
comparative cutting tests using TiN coated control specimens with no EDM surface structures and
TiN coated EDMed tools with a crater-like surface topography were carried out on mild steel. Various
cutting speeds, up to an increase of 40% of the tool manufacturer‘s recommended speed were
investigated. Thirty cuts (passes) were carried out for each inserts at the speeds investigated. After
every five cuts (passes), microscopic pictures of the tool wear profiles were taken in order to monitor
the progressive wear on the rake face and, on the flank of the insert. The power load was monitored
for each cut using an on board meter on the machine. Results obtained confirmed advantages of
cutting at all speeds investigated using EDMed coated inserts in terms of reduced tool wear.
Moreover, the surface finish on the work-piece was consistently better for the EDMed inserts. It is
therefore concluded, that TiN coated EDMed crater-like surface structure on tool inserts can
considerably improve the tool performance.

Citation:
Watmon, T., Bitek; W., Vijitha; X., David (2010) ‘Enhanced tool wear characteristics of carbide tool inserts having a novel surface structure’ Proceedings of Advances in Computing and Technology, (AC&T) The School of Computing and Technology 5th Annual Conference, University of East London, pp. 33-37.