Comparative evaluation of machinability characteristics of Nimonic C-263 using CVD and PVD coated tools

Machining of Nimonic C-263 has always been a challenging task owing to its hot strength, low thermal conductivity, tendency to work harden and affinity towards tool materials. Although coated tools have been used to overcome some of these challenges, selection of coated tool with appropriate deposition technique is of immense significance. The current study attempts to comparatively evaluate various performance measures in machining of Nimonic C-263 such as surface roughness, cutting force, cutting temperature, chip characteristics, and tool wear with particular emphasis on different modes of tool failure for commercially available inserts with multi-component coating deposited using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques. Influence of cutting speed (V_c) and machining duration (t) has also been investigated using both coated tools. The study demonstrated remarkable decrease in surface roughness (74.3%), cutting force (6.3%), temperature (13.4%) and chip reduction coefficient (22%) with PVD coated tool consisting of alternate layers of TiN and TiAlN over its CVD coated counterpart with TiCN/Al₂O₃ coating in bilayer configuration. Severe plastic deformation and chipping of cutting edge and nose, abrasive nose and flank wear along with formation of built-up-layer (BUL) were identified as possible mechanisms of tool failure. PVD coated tool successfully restricted different modes of tool wear for the entire range of cutting speed. Superior performance can be attributed to the hardness and wear resistance properties, thermal stability due to presence of TiAlN phase and excellent toughness owing to PVD technique and multilayer architecture.     

Temperature measurement and machining damage in slotting of multidirectional CFRP laminate

Compared to metallic materials, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have lower thermal conductivity and minor thermal expansion coefficient. Despite this, their machining can generate accuracy errors if the cutting temperature is not controlled. In this paper, an experimental study of slotting of multidirectional CFRP laminate (G803/914) with three micrograin carbide burr tools with different geometries is considered in order to investigate tool-workpiece contact point temperature, chip temperature, machined surface damage, subsurface defects and tool degradation. The experiment is made on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine with cutting speed ranging from 80 to 200 m/min and feed per tooth from 0.008 to 0.060 mm/rev/tooth. The data were analyzed in order to establish empirical models showing the dependence of cutting temperature on tool geometry and cutting conditions. Based on the results, it is concluded that cutting speed is the factor influencing cutting temperature the most, the heat generated during slotting is removed mainly by chips and the chip temperature is greater than the tool-workpiece contact temperature of about 18.5°C on average for the three burr tools.     

A study of the cutting-induced heating effect on the machined surface in ultra-precision raster milling of 6061 Al alloy

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is an attractive material in many industries due to its unique and excellent combination of strength to weight ratio and their resistance to corrosion. However, because of its low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity, Ti-6Al-4V alloy is generally classified as a difficult-to-cut material that can be characterized by low productivity and rapid tool wear rate even at conventional cutting speeds. It is well known that tool wear has a strong relationship with the cutting forces and a sound knowledge about correlation between cutting forces variation and tool wear propagation is vital to monitor and optimize the automatic manufacturing process. In the present study, high-speed end-milling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with uncoated cemented tungsten carbide tools under dry cutting conditions is experimentally investigated. The main objective of this work is to analyze the tool wear and the cutting forces variation during high-speed end-milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The experimental results show that the major tool wear mechanisms in high-speed end-milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy with uncoated cemented tungsten carbide tools are adhesion and diffusion at the crater wear along with adhesion and abrasion at the flank wear. The cutting force component in the negative y-direction is more dominant of the three components and displays significantly higher magnitudes than that of the other two components in x- and z-directions. The variation of cutting force component F _y has a positive correlation with the tool wear propagation, which can be used as a tool wear indicator during automatic manufacturing process.     

Wear characteristics of cemented carbide tool in dry-machining Ti-6Al-4V

In machining titanium alloys, due to the low thermal conductivity and high chemical activity of titanium alloys, tool wear is serious and processing efficiency is very low. To avoid the effects of impurities, which were brought by the cutting fluid, the uncoated cemented carbide tool (WC-Co), which was suitable for cutting titanium alloys, was used for the experiments of dry-turning titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) was used to analyze tool wear mechanism. Based on analyzing the friction characteristic of tool–chip interface, tool wear mechanism was also studied and a physical evolution model of tool wear was established. The results showed that there existed serious adhesion, diffusion and oxidation at tool–chip interface and increasing cutting speed accelerated their occurrence. The physical evolution of tool wear behavior can reflect the loss process of tool material very well.     

Physical properties and cutting performance of silicon nitride ceramic

Silicon nitride, a nitrogen compound of highly covalent bond character, has low density, high hardness, low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity and excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Therefore it is considered to be a promising material for high temperature engineering components.However, it has very poor sinterability compared with the conventional oxide ceramics owing to its low self-diffusivity. By investigating starting materials, sintering additives and processing, a hot-pressed silicon nitride ceramic having grains enveloped by crystalline boundary phases can be produced.The silicon-nitride-based ceramic has high strength, high Weibull modulus, fracture toughness and thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion compared with existing cutting tool ceramics such as Al₂O₃ + TiC, and it is expected to have superior thermal shock resistance.This new ceramic cutting tool shows superior performance in cutting cast irons at high speeds (10–16.75 m s^?1 (600–1000 m min^?1)) and rates (about 1.0 mm rev^?1), where conventional tools cannot be used.     

Development of a tool–work thermocouple calibration system with physical compensation to study the influence of tool-holder material on cutting temperature in machining

The main objective of this work is the experimental investigation of the influence of tool-holder material on tool–chip interface temperature and on the surface temperatures of the cutting tool and tool-holder. The study was conducted in dry machining of grey iron with uncoated cemented carbide inserts, using identical cutting parameters. Five tool-holders were made with materials having different thermal conductivity: copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel and titanium alloy. The tool-holders are identical and have the same constructive aspects obtained from the commercial tool-holder for machining grey iron. The temperature at the tool–chip interface was measured using the tool–work thermocouple method and the surface temperatures on the insert and tool-holders, by conventional T type thermocouples. The system was modified in order to develop an experimental procedure for the physical compensation of the secondary junctions and parasite thermoelectric e.m.f. signals. Also, modifications were carried out in a conventional tail-stock to obtain the e.m.f. signal between the rotating workpiece and the stationary insert, without significantly altering the stiffness of the system. The tail-stock with mercury bearing inside was insulated electrically. The internal connections became reference junctions at room temperature; otherwise, they would act as secondary junctions. The calibration of the tool–work thermocouple was developed in the experimental apparatus using the same modifications as implemented in the system. Besides the results obtained with the investigation of the effects of the tool-holder materials on the surface temperatures of the insert and the tool-holder and the tool–chip interface temperature, this research presents also contributions to the calibration and performance of the tool–work thermocouple method with physical compensation.     

Evaluation of the performance of coated carbide tools in face milling TC6 alloy under dry condition

Titanium and its alloys are well known as the typical different-to-cut materials because of their low thermal conductivity, high chemical reactivity, and low modulus of elasticity. During machining of titanium alloy, advanced high-speed, high-efficiency processing technologies are adopted to improve the production efficiency and reduce the production costs. The main goal of this work is to compare the performance of physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated (TiN/TiAlN) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-coated (TiN/Al₂O₃/TiCN) carbide inserts in face milling TC6 alloy. To this end, the present paper reviewed the main works on the application of PVD- and CVD-coated tools in machining titanium alloys and the material performance of TC6 alloy, especially the machinability in machining process. Several tool life tests and tool wear experiments were carried out on a milling center with a five-axis spindle drive. Cutting forces were measured with a Kistler dynamometer. The failure modes and chip morphology were observed. Surface roughness and tool wear evolution were determined. The wear mechanism was discussed to compare the performance of PVD and CVD-coated tools. The main conclusions of this work were that the cutting tools made with PVD coating (TiN/TiAlN) had the excellent tooling quality and the main wear mechanisms were spalling and adhesion. PVD-TiN/TiAlN insert was more suitable to milling TC6 alloy than CVD-TiN/Al₂O₃/TiCN insert.     

Contribution à l'étude des mécanismes de coupe en tournage dur

The machining with a cutting tool of materials with high mechanical properties (R_m>2000 MPa) becomes a process increasingly used by industry. A 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) steel with a hardness HV760 was studied. Quick stop tests were carried out to observe the different chip formation mechanisms. A limit was found between the shearing or cracking chip formation. Experimentations for the selected steel were performed at various cutting speeds and feed rates. The “saw tooth chips” obtained were examined geometrically and metallurgically on longitudinal midsections. Relations have been established between the chip geometry and the cutting conditions. A theoretical study on the chip morphology was made, in particular about its thickness. The friction stick slip velocities, as the segment apparition frequency were calculated. Each stage of the chip formation could be observed on each micrography of Q.S.T, especially the crack initiation. Cutting tests performed on the bearing steel in various metallurgical states have pointed out the equivalence relationship between hardness and cutting speed.Cutting tests performed under various cutting conditions have highlighted the conflicting work hardening–thermal softening processes. This balance is discussed with a shear instability criterion, presenting the work hardening to thermal softening ratio through a revised material behavior law.     

Chip Formation Mechanism of Inconel 718:A Review of Models and Approaches

Inconel 718,a nickel,chrome and iron alloy,has special advantages,such as high-temperature strength,thermal resistance and corrosion resistance,which facilitate wide usage in the aerospace industry,especially in the hot sec-tions of gas turbine engines.However,machining this alloy is correlated closely with the material's inherent properties such as excellent combination of strength,hardness and toughness,low thermal conductivity and the tendency to adhere to cutting tools.This nickel alloy also contains inclusions of hard abrasive carbide particles that lead to work-hardening of the workpiece material and thus abrasive wear of the cutting tool.That is,the machining of Inconel 718 is always influenced by high mechanical and thermal loads.This article reviews the chip formation mechanism of Inconel 718.One of the main characteristics in machining of Inconel 718 is that it will produce serrated or segmented chips in a wide range of cutting speeds and feeds.Existing studies show that the chip serration or segmentation by shear localization affects the machined surface integrity,and also contributes to the chip's evacuation and the auto-mation of machining operations.Thus,research conclusion indicates that the serrated or segmented chip phenom-enon is desirable in reducing the level of cutting force,and detailed analysis of models and approaches to understand the chip formation mechanism of Inconel 718 is vital for machining this alloy effectively and efficiently.Therefore,this article presents some summaries on the models and approaches on the chip formation in machining of Inconel 718.     

Cutting forces, chip formation, and tool wear in high-speed face milling of AISI H13 steel with CBN tools

High-speed face milling experiments of AISI H13 steel (46–47 HRC) with cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools were conducted in order to identify the characteristics of cutting forces, chip formation, and tool wear in a wide range of cutting speed (200–1,200 m/min). The velocity effects are focused on in the present study. It was found that, at the cutting speed of 800 m/min, which can be considered as a critical value, relatively low mechanical load, relatively low degree of chip segmentation, and relatively long tool life can be obtained at the same time. Both the cutting forces and the degree of chip segmentation firstly decrease and then increase with the cutting speed, while the tool life exhibits the opposite trend. By means of analyzing the wear mechanisms of tools tested under different cutting speeds, it was found that, as the cutting speed increases, the influences of fracture and chipping resulting from mechanical load on tool wear were reduced, while the influences of adhesion, oxidation, and thermal crack accelerated by high cutting temperature became greater. There exist obvious correlations among cutting forces, chip formation, and tool wear.     

Preparation of tungsten disulfide (WS2) soft-coated nano-textured self-lubricating tool and its cutting performance

This paper proposes a new effective dry cutting tool named tungsten disulfide (WS₂) soft-coated nano-textured self-lubricating tool which is fabricated by two steps. First, nano-texture is made on the tool–chip interface of rake face of uncoated YS8 (WC + TiC + Co) cemented carbide cutting inserts by femtosecond laser micromachining technology. Second, WS₂ soft coating is deposited on the nano-textured tool by medium-frequency magnetron sputtering, multi-arc ion plating and ion beam assisted deposition technique. Dry turning tests on 45# quenched and tempered steel were carried out with three kinds of cutting tools: conventional YS8 tool, nano-textured tool (CFT), and WS₂ soft-coated nano-textured self-lubricating tool (CFTWS). Results show that the cutting forces, cutting temperature, the friction coefficient at the tool–chip interface, and the antiadhesive effect of the nano-textured tools were significantly reduced compared with those of the conventional one. The CFTWS tool had the best cutting performance among all the tools tested under the same test conditions. Through cutting force and cutting temperature theoretical analysis and experimental results, four mechanisms responsible were found. The first one is explained as the formation of the WS₂ lubricating film with low shear strength at the tool–chip interface, which was released from the surface nano textures and smeared on the rake face, and served as lubricating additive during dry cutting processes to reduce the cutting forces and cutting temperature. The second one is explained by the reduced contact length at the tool–chip interface of the nano-textured tools; the smaller direct contact area between the chip and tool rake face leads to less friction force, which can also contribute to the decrease of cutting forces and cutting temperature. The third one can be explained that because of the excellent lubricity of the WS₂ lubricating film, the antiadhesive effect can be significantly improved which can reduce adhesive wear of the cutting tool and prolong the tool life. The fourth one can be explained that the advantage of CFTWS tool in cutting forces and cutting temperature is obvious in relatively high-speed and high-temperature conditions may be because of ultra-low friction coefficient, high temperature resistance, and the high oxidation resistance of WS₂ soft coating which is not sensitive to high cutting temperature and high cutting speed can significantly improve the severe dry cutting environment.     

熔覆材料对高速钢刀具激光熔覆断屑台裂纹及硬度的影响

应用激光粉末熔覆技术,在高速钢车刀的前刀面上制备出断屑台。通过切削实验,对比普通高速钢车刀和含激光熔覆断屑台车刀的断屑效果,观察激光粉末熔覆断屑台的金相组织和形貌,测试激光粉末熔覆断屑台的热膨胀系数、物相和显微硬度。研究结果表明：具有激光熔覆断屑台的高速钢车刀,在切削过程中能够减小切屑的卷曲半径,从而使切屑更容易折断,实现有效断屑。用M2/WC-12Co粉末制作激光熔覆断屑台,能够实现激光熔覆层与高速钢基体的良好冶金结合,熔覆层无熔覆裂纹缺陷,熔覆层的硬度与高速钢车刀基体相近。M2/WC-12Co激光熔覆粉末适于制作高速钢刀具的激光熔覆断屑台。     

The mechanism of ductile chip formation in cutting of brittle materials

A theoretical analysis for the mechanism of ductile chip formation in the cutting of brittle materials is presented in this paper. The coexisting crack propagation and dislocation in the chip formation zone in the cutting of ductile materials are examined based on an analysis of the geometry and forces in the cutting region, both on Taylor’s dislocation hardening theory and the strain gradient plasticity theory. It was found that the ductile chip formation was a result of large compressive stress and shear stress in the chip formation zone, which shields the growth of pre-existing flaws by suppressing the stress intensity factor K _I . Additionally, ductile chip formation in the cutting of brittle materials can result from the enhancement of material yield strength in the chip formation zone. The large compressive stress can be generated in the chip formation zone with two conditions. The first condition is associated with a small, undeformed chip thickness, while the second is related to the undeformed chip thickness being smaller than the radius of the tool cutting edge. The analysis also shows that the thrust force F _t is much larger than the cutting force F _c . This indicates that large compressive stress is generated in the chip formation zone. This also confirms that the ductile chip formation is a result of large compressive stress in the chip formation zone, which shields the growth of pre-existing flaws in the material by suppressing the stress intensity factor K _I . The enhancement of material yield strength can be provided by dislocation hardening and strain gradient at the mesoscale, such that the workpiece material can undertake the large cutting stresses in the chip formation zone without fracture. Experiments for ductile cutting of tungsten carbide are conducted. The results show that ductile chip formation can be achieved as the undeformed chip thickness is small enough, as well as the undeformed chip thickness is smaller than the tool cutting edge radius.     

Performance of the self-lubricating textured tools in dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V

Surface textures were made using laser on the rake or flank face of the cemented carbide (WC/Co) inserts. Molybdenum disulfide solid lubricants were filled into the textured grooves to form self-lubricating textured tools. Dry cutting tests on Ti-6Al-4V were carried out with these self-lubricating textured tools and conventional tool. The machining performance was assessed in terms of the cutting forces, cutting temperature, chip thickness ratio, friction coefficient at the tool–chip interface, and tool wear. Results show that the cutting forces and cutting temperature of the self-lubricating textured tools were reduced compared with that of the conventional tool. The application of the self-lubricating textured tool with elliptical grooves on its rake face can reduce the tool–chip friction coefficient and the chip thickness ratio. The tool life of the textured tools is improved compared with that of the conventional tool. The effectiveness of the self-lubricating textured tools in improving cutting performance is related to the cutting parameter.     

Machining of Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)—Theory to Application

This article correlates laboratory-based understanding in machining of titanium alloys with the industry based outputs and finds possible solutions to improve machining efficiency of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The machining outputs are explained based on different aspects of chip formation mechanism and practical issues faced by industries during titanium machining. This study also analyzed and linked the methods that effectively improve the machinability of titanium alloys. It is found that the deformation mechanism during machining of titanium alloys is complex and causes basic challenges, such as sawtooth chips, high temperature, high stress on cutting tool, high tool wear and undercut parts. These challenges are correlated and affected by each other. Sawtooth chips cause variation in cutting forces which results in high cyclic stress on cutting tools. On the other hand, low thermal conductivity of titanium alloy causes high temperature. These cause a favorable environment for high tool wear. Thus, improvements in machining titanium alloy depend mainly on overcoming the complexities associated with the inherent properties of this alloy. Vibration analysis kit, high pressure coolant, cryogenic cooling, thermally enhanced machining, hybrid machining and, use of high conductive cutting tool and tool holders improve the machinability of titanium alloy.     

Specific cutting force, tool wear and chip morphology characteristics during dry drilling of austempered ductile iron (ADI)

Dry machining is being recognized as ecological machining due to its less environmental impact and manufacturing cost. However, the choice of dry machining is mainly influenced by the workpiece material properties, machining operation and cutting conditions. The recent emergence of austempered ductile iron (ADI) can be considered a significant economic advantage to the increasing industrial demand for cost- and weight-efficient materials. However, due to its microstructure-induced inherent properties, ADI is considered hard-to-machine material. Thus, the dry drilling of ADI is investigated in this paper. The ADI material used in the present study is produced using an innovative process route for near net shape casting production. Drilling experiments are conducted on a DMU80P Deckel Maho five-axis machining centre using PVD-coated carbide tools under dry cutting environment. The dry drilling of ADI under different cutting conditions is evaluated in terms of specific cutting force and tool wear analysis. The influence of cutting conditions on chip morphology and surface roughness is also investigated. The experimental results revealed that the combination of the low feed rate and higher cutting speed leads to the higher mechanical and thermal loads on the tool's cutting edge, resulting in higher specific cutting force values. This behaviour is further supported by the chip morphology analysis, which revealed the formation of segmented chips at higher cutting speed with segment spacing increase with an increase in feed rate. Depending upon the cutting parameters, different modes of tool failures including crater wear, flank wear, chipping, breakage and built-up edge were observed. Surface roughness analysis revealed the influence of tool wear and chip morphology on the machined surface finish.     

Tool life and wear mechanism of coated and uncoated Al2O3/TiCN mixed ceramic tools in turning hardened alloy steel

The focus of this paper is the continuous turning of hardened AISI 52100 (～63HRc) using coated and uncoated ceramic Al₂O₃–TiCN mixed inserts, which are cheaper than cubic boron nitride (CBN) or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN). The machinability of hardened steel was evaluated by measurements of tool wear, tool life, and surface finish of the workpiece. Wear mechanisms and patterns of ceramic inserts in hard turning of hardened AISI 52100 are discussed. According to the results obtained, fracture and chipping type damages occur more frequently in uncoated tools, whereas crater wear is the more common type of damage in TiN coated tools. Most important result obtained from the study is that TiN coating and crater wear affect chip flow direction. In uncoated ceramic tool, the crater formation results in decrease of chip up-curl radius. Besides, uncoated cutting tool results in an increase in the temperature at the tool chip interface. This causes a thermal bi-metallic effect between the upper and lower sides of the chip that forces the chip to curl a smaller radius. Chips accumulate in front of the tool and stick to the workpiece depending on the length of the cutting time. This causes the surface quality to deteriorate. TiN coating not only ensures that the cutting tool is tougher, but also ensures that the surface quality is maintained during cutting processes.     

TYPOLOGY OF MODELS AND SIMULATION METHODS FOR MACHINING OPERATIONS

This paper presents a new modeling approach, based on Oxley's predictive model, for predicting the tool–chip contact in 2-D machining of plain carbon steels with advanced, multi-layer coated cutting tools. Oxley's original predictive model is capable of predicting machining parameters for a wide variety of plain carbon steels, however, the tool material properties and their effects are neglected in the analysis. In the present work, the effect of the tool material, more particularly, the effect of multiple coating layers and the individual coating thicknesses on the tool–chip contact length in orthogonal machining is incorporated. The results from the model predict the tool–chip contact length with respect to major cutting parameters such as feed and rake angle, work material parameters such as the carbon content in the steel, and varying thicknesses and combinations of coating layers. This model enables more precise cutting tool selection by predicting the relative tribological impact (in terms of tool–chip contact length) for a variety of multi-layer coated tools.     

A comparative study of multilayer and functionally graded coated tools in high-speed machining

Multilayer-coated tool systems have been effective in controlling mechanical and thermal loads, especially in high-speed cutting regime. In this study, cutting performance of tungsten carbide tools with restricted contact length and multilayer chemical vapour deposition deposited coatings, TiCN/Al₂O₃/TiN (in series) and TiCN/Al₂O₃–TiN (functionally graded), was investigated in dry turning. Cutting tests were conducted on low carbon alloy steel AISI/SAE 4140 over a wide range of cutting speeds between 200 and 879?m/min. Results including cutting forces, chip compression ratio, shear angle, contact area inclusive of sticking and sliding phenomena and tool flank wear are presented. In particular, prediction of heat partition into the cutting tool inserts was carried out using a combination of experimental tests and the finite element method. The results show that coating layouts and cutting tool edge geometry can significantly affect heat distribution into the cutting tool. The paper clearly shows the role and potential benefits of applying different top coats on the rake and flank faces with regards contact phenomenon, impact on thermal shielding and tool wear. An appropriate coating layout selection is crucial in controlling tool wear, especially in high-speed machining.     

[绿色制造工艺和系统]基于切削比能的高速干切工艺刀具温升调控方法

高速干切中,较高的切削速度和切削液的缺失使得切削热短时间内在刀具上大量聚集,造成刀具磨损并影响使用寿命,解决该问题的有效手段是控制刀具温度升高。通过分析高速干切削加工过程中切削热在刀具中的传递与作用特性,基于切削比能和切屑几何形貌建立高速干切刀具的温升模型,在此基础上以温升最小为目标,以切削速度、进给量、刀具主偏角为变量,提出一种刀具温度调控方法,并结合高速干式车削加工案例进行应用与验证分析。