An experimental investigation of work material microstructure effects on white layer formation in PCBN hard turning

White layers formed in machining of hardened alloys are known to be very hard and resistant to standard etchants used in metallographic studies. Many studies have been performed on this subject, but only with little progress showing definite results concerning the actual effectiveness of white layer formation. Hence, the basic question that remains unanswered is: are the white layers a tribological advantage for the manufacturing industry producing parts/components from hard alloys? The focus of this study is to investigate the evolution of white layers produced during progressive tool flank wear in dry hard turning with CBN (cubic boron nitride) tools, and to correlate this with the surface integrity of the machined surface. The following four materials were machined: X160CrMoV12 cold work steel (AISI D2), X38CrMoV5 hot work steel (AISI H11), 35NiCrMo16 high toughness steel and 100Cr6 bearing steel (AISI 52100). Samples of chips were metallographically processed and observed under an electronic microscope to determine whether white layers are present or not. More specifically, chip-forms/shapes were studied to determine how they developed during machining with potential appearance of white layers, with a view to correlating the chip-forms/shapes with the white layer formation. Finally, by using scanning electron microscopy and EDS techniques on these chip samples, properties and microstructures of white layers were deduced in order to verify some of the prevalent theories.     

Surface finish generated in hard turning of quenched alloy steel parts using conventional and wiper ceramic inserts

Significant progress has already been achieved in green manufacturing including dry and hard, often high-speed, machining technologies. For instance, the demand for higher productivity has resulted in the wider application of ceramic and PCBN tools with special multi-radii (wiper) geometry. This paper reports some important characteristics of the surface roughness produced in the turning of a hardened low-chromium alloy steel using mixed alumina–titanium carbon (TiC) ceramic cutting tools equipped with both conventional and wiper inserts. The characteristic geometrical features of surfaces obtained in both these turning operations have been assessed by means of representative two-dimensional (2D) surface roughness parameters, and some 3D visualizations, which allowed more complete characterization of the surface topography and prediction of its service properties. Results show that keeping equivalent feed rates, i.e. 0.1 mm/rev for conventional and 0.2 mm/rev for wiper tools, the surfaces obtained have similar 3D height roughness parameters, and comparable values of skew and kurtosis. At defined cutting parameters, surfaces produced by wiper tools contain blunt peaks with distinctly smaller slopes resulting in better bearing properties. Only marginal changes of Ra parameter were recorded during 15 min machining trials.     

A comparative study of hard turned and cylindrically ground white layers

Compared with grinding, hard turning is competitive in many cases, with substantial benefits. However, hard turning applications are not preferred, due to the existence of the process-induced white layer on the component surface, which is often assumed to be detrimental to component life. Nevertheless, white layer properties have not been well understood or clearly defined, especially the properties of the white layer induced in hard turning as against grinding. A clear understanding of white layer properties will provide a solid physics basis for product performance analysis and useful data for process selection. In this study, benchmark hard turning and cylindrical grinding experiments were conducted to generate thick white layers for reliable measurement. It was found that the properties of white and dark layers by hard turning and grinding are fundamentally different in four aspects: surface structure characteristics, microhardness, microstructures, and chemical composition. A white layer is not untempered martensite in terms of retained austenite. Additionally, a thick white layer can be produced in grinding under certain conditions.     

White layers and thermal modeling of hard turned surfaces

White layers in hard turned surfaces are identified, characterized and measured as a function of tool flank wear and cutting speed. White layer depth progressively increases with flank wear. It also increases with speed, but approaches an asymptote. A thermal model based on Jaeger's moving heat source problems (J.C. Jaeger, Moving source of heat and the temperature at sliding contacts, in: Proceedings of the Royal Society, NSW, vol. 56, pp. 203–224) is applied to simulate the temperature field in machined surfaces and to estimate white layer depth in terms of the penetration depth for a given critical temperature. The analysis shows good agreement with the trend in experimental results. White layer formation seems to be dominantly a thermal process involving phase transformation of the steel, possibly plastic strain activated; flank wear land rubbing may be a primary heat source for white layer formation. A strong material dependence of surface alteration is also observed.     

State of the art in hard turning

Hard turning is gaining grounds for machining hardened steels as it has several benefits over grinding. There are several issues, which should be understood and dealt with, to achieve successful performance of the process. Researchers have worked upon several aspects related to hard turning. The present work is an effort to review some of these works and to understand the key issues related to process performance. The review shows that the type of tool material, cutting edge geometry and cutting parameters affect the process efficiencies in terms of tool forces, surface integrities integrity, and white layer. Adequate machine rigidity is a must essential to minimize the process inaccuracies. Also moreover, for finish hard turning, where the depth of cut is less than the nose radius of the tool, the forces deviate from the conventional trends as the radial force component is the maximum and axial force component becomes minimum. The present work finally lists down certain areas that can be taken up for further research in hard turning.     

3D modeling of residual stresses induced in finish turning of an AISI304L stainless steel

This paper addresses the development of a new methodology predicting residual stresses induced in finish turning of a AISI304L stainless steel. A hybrid approach combining experimental results and a numerical model is applied. The model simulates the residual stresses generation by applying equivalent thermo-mechanical loadings onto the machined surface without modeling the chip removal process, which enables rapid calculation. The shape and the intensity of equivalent thermo-mechanical loadings are identified through experimental measurements. Friction tests enable to model the thermal and mechanical loadings along the tool-workmaterial interface. Orthogonal cutting tests provide thermal and mechanical loadings below the primary and third shear zone. This model has already been presented in several papers, but only in a 2D configuration. The objective of this paper is to transfer this hybrid approach into a 3D configuration, which is closer to a concrete longitudinal turning operation. Based on this new model, the paper aims at investigating the interactions between each revolution. It is shown that around five revolutions are necessary to reach a steady state. Finally numerical results are compared with experimental measurements obtained by X-Ray diffraction. It is shown that residual stresses cannot be considered as homogeneous over the surface due to tool's feed. Additionally, the X-Ray beam is much too large to be able to quantify this heterogeneity. Based on average numerical values coherent with average values obtained by X-Ray diffraction, it is shown that the numerical model provides consistent results compared to experimental measurements for a large range of cutting speed and feed.     

White layer formation in hard turning of H13 tool steel at high cutting speeds using CBN tooling

White layers formed during machining have negative effects on surface finish and fatigue strength of products. The white layer is generally a hard phase and leads to the surface becoming brittle causing crack permeation and product failure. This is a major concern with respect to service performance especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. Numerous authors have investigated the formation of white layer under different manufacturing processes. In turning, it was suggested that the white layer structure is a martensitic phase whose formation is correlated to tool wear. Past studies have tended to concentrate on the formation of white layers at conventional cutting speeds, but never examined the formation at high cutting speeds. This paper reports on an investigation of white layer formation for wide range of cutting speeds in hard turning of 54-56 HRC H13 tool steel. The specimens were analysed using a micro hardness tester, SEM with EDAX software and Electron Micro-Probe. In addition tool wear and workpiece temperature were studied. The machined surface showed an increase in hardness with respect to the bulk material. Compositional gradients were noted for the white layer in terms of depletion of the elements iron and chromium coupled with an enrichment of carbon and oxygen content. The results showed that despite tool wear increasing with cutting speed, white layer depth and hardness actually reduced. This finding suggests that there may not be a direct relationship between white layer formation and wear, the correlation maybe linked to wear mode.     

Thermal modeling for white layer predictions in finish hard turning

Part thermal damage is a process limitation in finish hard turning and understanding process parameter effects, especially, tool wear, on cutting temperatures is fundamental for process modeling and optimization. This study develops an analytical model for cutting temperature predictions, in particular, at the machined-surfaces, in finish hard turning by either a new or worn tool.A mechanistic model is employed to estimate the chip formation forces. Wear-land forces are modeled using an approach that assumes linear growth of plastic zone on the wear-land and quadratic decay of stresses in elastic contact. Machining forces and geometric characteristics, i.e. shear plane, chip–tool contact, and flank wear-land, approximate the heat intensity and dimensions of the shear plane, rake face, as well as wear-land heat sources. The three heat sources are further discretized into small segments, each treated as an individual rectangular heat source and subsequently used to calculate temperatures using modified moving or stationary heat-source approaches. Temperature rises due to all heat-source segments are superimposed, with proper coordinate transformation, to obtain the final temperature distributions due to the overall heat sources. All heat sources are simultaneously considered to determine heat partition coefficients, both at the rake face and wear-land, and evaluate the final temperature rises due to the combined heat-source effects.Simulation results show that, in new tool cutting, maximum machined-surface temperatures are adversely affected by increasing feed rate and cutting speed, but favorably by increasing depth of cut. In worn tool cutting, flank wear has decisive effects on machined-surface temperatures; the maximum temperature increases 2–3 times from 0 to 0.2 mm wear-land width. White layers (phase-transformed structures) formed at the machined-surfaces have been used to experimentally validate the analytical model by investigating tool nose radius effects on the white layer depth. The experimental results show good agreement with the model predictions.The established model forms a framework for analytical predictions of machined-surface temperatures in finish hard turning that are critical to part surface integrity and can be used to specify a tool life criterion.     

Modification of surface finish produced by hard turning using superfinishing and burnishing operations

In this study the surface finish produced by hard turning of a 41Cr4 low-alloy steel quenched to about 60 HRC hardness, using mixed Al₂O₃-TiC ceramic inserts, was subsequently modified by superfinishing and multipass burnishing operations. In the case of hard turning surfaces were produced by conventional and Wiper cutting tool inserts. The main goal of this study was to examine how additional abrasive and non-removal technological operations change 2D and 3D roughness parameters and enhance service properties of the machined surfaces. It was documented that both superfinishing and burnishing operations allow to obtain smoother surfaces with lower surface roughness and better bearing characteristics.     

Accuracy of hard turning

Nowadays, hard turning is frequently used to replace grinding. The economic benefits of hard turning are obvious but for achievable accuracy the situation is somewhat ambiguous. Although machine tool factories offer lathes with the same accuracy as grinding machines in some cases problems may arise in keeping the prescribed geometrical accuracy. Investigations were performed in a working environment in order to determine the attainable size, form and positional accuracy obtained with hard turning. Error sources of machining errors that occurred in hard turning and in grinding were taken into account, giving typical differences between the two processes. In the parts produced in series, size deviations were measured as well as out-of-roundness, cylindricity error and parallelism error of the bore's generatrices. The workpieces used for the investigation are disc-type parts with bores, i.e., gears that are built into transmissions. Our first measuring series evaluates the achievable accuracy with hard turning while the second includes the comparison of grinding with hard turning. The most important error sources are identified. We present measures for keeping prescribed tolerances and propose methods for eliminating the means error source.     

Surface integrity when machining age hardened Inconel 718 with coated carbide cutting tools

Considerable attention has been given to the use of ceramic cutting tools for improving productivity in the machining of heat resistant super alloys (HRSA). However, because of their negative influence on the surface integrity, ceramic tools are generally avoided particularly for finishing applications. As a result the main high end manufacturers are more or less dependent on carbide cutting tools for finishing operations. Still the improper use of carbide cutting tools can also result in poor surface integrity. The objective of this investigation is to develop a set of guidelines, which will assist the selection of the appropriate cutting tools and conditions for generating favorable compressive residual stresses. This paper specifically deals with residual stresses and surface finish components of surface integrity when machining (facing) age hardened Inconel 718 using two grades of coated carbide cutting tools specifically developed for machining HRSAs. The cutting conditions were obtained from investigations based on optimum tool performance. The effect of insert shape, cutting edge preparation, type and nose radius on both residual stresses and surface finish was studied at this optimum cutting condition. This investigation, suggested that coated carbide cutting tool inserts of round shape, chamfered cutting edge preparation, negative type and small nose radius (0.8 mm) and coolant will generate primarily compressive residual stresses.     

Predictive modeling of surface roughness and tool wear in hard turning using regression and neural networks

In machining of parts, surface quality is one of the most specified customer requirements. Major indication of surface quality on machined parts is surface roughness. Finish hard turning using Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) tools allows manufacturers to simplify their processes and still achieve the desired surface roughness. There are various machining parameters have an effect on the surface roughness, but those effects have not been adequately quantified. In order for manufacturers to maximize their gains from utilizing finish hard turning, accurate predictive models for surface roughness and tool wear must be constructed. This paper utilizes neural network modeling to predict surface roughness and tool flank wear over the machining time for variety of cutting conditions in finish hard turning. Regression models are also developed in order to capture process specific parameters. A set of sparse experimental data for finish turning of hardened AISI 52100 steel obtained from literature and the experimental data obtained from performed experiments in finish turning of hardened AISI H-13 steel have been utilized. The data sets from measured surface roughness and tool flank wear were employed to train the neural network models. Trained neural network models were used in predicting surface roughness and tool flank wear for other cutting conditions. A comparison of neural network models with regression models is also carried out. Predictive neural network models are found to be capable of better predictions for surface roughness and tool flank wear within the range that they had been trained.Predictive neural network modeling is also extended to predict tool wear and surface roughness patterns seen in finish hard turning processes. Decrease in the feed rate resulted in better surface roughness but slightly faster tool wear development, and increasing cutting speed resulted in significant increase in tool wear development but resulted in better surface roughness. Increase in the workpiece hardness resulted in better surface roughness but higher tool wear. Overall, CBN inserts with honed edge geometry performed better both in terms of surface roughness and tool wear development.     

Effect of tool nose radius and tool wear on residual stress distribution in hard turning of bearing steel

This study presents a experimental investigation to clarify the effects of tool nose radius and tool wear on residual stress distribution in hard turning of bearing steel JIS SUJ2. Three types of CBN tools with different nose radius (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mm) were used in this study. The residual stresses beneath the machined surface were measured using X-ray diffraction technique and electro-polishing technique. The results obtained in this study show that the tool nose radius affects the residual stress distribution significantly. Especially the effect on the residual stresses at the machined surface at early stage of cutting process is remarkable. For the tool wear, as the tool wear increases, the residual stress at the machined surface shifts to tensile stress range and the residual compressive stress beneath the machined surface increases greatly.     

Surface integrity generated by oblique machining of steel and iron parts

In this study the surface integrity produced by oblique turning of a range of iron-based materials including C45 carbon, 41Cr4 low-alloy hardened, X6CrNiTi18-10 stainless steels and EN-GJS-500-7 spheroidal iron was quantified by means of 2D and 3D surface roughness parameters, strain-hardening effects and associated residual stresses. Surfaces were produced by a special straight-edged cutting tool with large inclination angle of 55° equipped with carbide and mixed Al₂O₃–TiC ceramic cutting tool inserts. It was documented that oblique machining performed with relatively higher feed rate allows obtaining lower surface roughness and, in general, better bearing characteristics. Moreover, compressive stresses with the maximum value located close to the machined surface and parabolic profile can be induced into the surface layer. The magnitude of stresses depends on the strain-hardening rate of the surface layer.     

A cBN-TiN composite coating for carbide inserts: Coating characterization and its applications for finish hard turning

Cubic boron nitride (cBN)-titanium nitride (TiN) composite coating combines the thermal stability and super abrasiveness of cubic boron nitride (cBN) and the good lubricity of TiN, offering the opportunity for designing cutting tools with application specific new geometries (flat, chip breaker, and round shape) and cost effectiveness. In particular, the cBN based coating on carbide inserts is complementary to widely used polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) compact tools for finish hard turning applications. This paper reports the results of a study addressing the surface morphology, surface roughness, coating cross section, chemical composition, crystal structure, microhardness, adhesion, and the wear life of this cBN-based coating deposited on carbide inserts (SNMG432) for finish turning of hardened AISI 4340 steel bars. The surface quality of machined workpieces in terms of their surface roughness and white layer formation are also analyzed and the results are presented.     

A novel work holding method for hard turning using the shoe-centerless concept

The widespread use of hard turning processes in industry has been facilitated by efficient work holding methods. In this paper, a novel application of the shoe-centerless work holding method is proposed for hard turning. Since changes in cutting forces during hard turning affect force balance, rotational instability can occur with shoe-centerless work holding. This paper describes the effect of changes in cutting forces due to tool wear on work rotational stability during shoe-centerless hard turning. It also presents guidelines to determine the optimum shoe setup angles for various hard turning process conditions to ensure work rotational stability and geometrical rounding stability.     

Development of a tool wear-monitoring system for hard turning

This paper describes an in-depth study on the development of a system for monitoring tool wear in hard turning. Hard turning is used in the manufacturing industry as an economic alternative to grinding, but the reliability of hard turning processes is often unpredictable. One of the main factors affecting the reliability of hard turning is tool wear. Conventional wear-monitoring systems for turning operations cannot be used for monitoring tools used in hard turning because a conglomeration of phenomena, such as chip formation, tool wear and surface finish during hard turning, exhibits unique behavior not found in regular turning operations. In this study, various aspects associated with hard turning were investigated with the aim of designing an accurate tool wear-monitoring system for hard turning. The findings of the investigation showed that the best method to monitor tool wear during hard turning would be by means of force-based monitoring with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model. The novel formulation of the proposed AI model enables it to provide an accurate solution for monitoring crater and flank wear during hard turning. The suggested wear-monitoring system is simple and flexible enough for online implementation, which will allow more reliable hard turning in industry.     

Dry machining of Inconel 718, workpiece surface integrity

In the machining of Inconel 718, nickel based heat resistant superalloy and classified difficult-to-cut material, the consumption of cooling lubricant is very important. To reduce the costs of production and to make the processes environmentally safe, the goal is to move toward dry cutting by eliminating cutting fluids. This goal can be achieved by using coated carbide tool and by increasing cutting speed.The present paper firstly reviews the main works on surface integrity and especially residual stresses when machining Inconel 718 superalloy. It focuses then on the effect of dry machining on surface integrity. Wet and dry turning tests were performed at various cutting speeds, with semi-finishing conditions (0.5 mm depth of cut and 0.1 mm/rev feed rate) and using a coated carbide tool. For each cutting test, cutting force was measured, machined surface was observed, and residual stress profiles were determined. An optimal cutting speed of 60 m/min was determined, and additional measurements and observations were performed. Microhardness increment and the microstructure alteration beneath the machined surface were analysed. It is demonstrated that dry machining with a coated carbide tool leads to potentially acceptable surface quality with residual stresses and microhardness values in the machining affected zone of the same order than those obtained in wet conditions when using the optimised cutting speed value; in addition, no severe microstructure alteration was depicted.     

Nanostructural evolution of hard turning layers in response to insert geometry,cutting parameters and material microstructure

Nanostructural characterization of hard turned surface layers of carburized steels was done to study the effect of tool design, tool wear and turning parameters on the near surface material transformations. To quantify subsurface evolution, numerical predictions were correlated with the measured structural and hardness parameters. Results show that the process design space can be partitioned into three regions based on thermal phase transformations, plastic grain refinement, and where both mechanisms are active. These relationships between the processing conditions and structural parameters are further explored through process maps based on Zener–Holloman parameter and the Hall–Petch relationship.     

Tool wear and chip formation during hard turning with self-propelled rotary tools

This paper presents a performance assessment of rotary tool during machining hardened steel. The investigation includes an analysis of chip morphology and modes of tool wear. The effect of tool geometry and type of cutting tool material on the tool self-propelled motion are also investigated. Several tool materials were tested for wear resistance including carbide, coated carbide, and ceramics. The self-propelled coated carbide tools showed superior wear resistance. This was demonstrated by evenly distributed flank wear with no evidence of crater wear. The characteristics of temperature generated during machining with the rotary tool are studied. It was shown that reduced tool temperature eliminates the diffusion wear and dominates the abrasion wear. Also, increasing the tool rotational speed shifted the maximum temperature at the chip–tool interface towards the cutting edge.