Thermal and mechanical modeling analysis of laser-assisted micro-milling of difficult-to-machine alloys

This study is focused on numerical modeling analysis of laser-assisted micro-milling (LAMM) of difficult-to-machine alloys, such as Ti6Al4V, Inconel 718, and stainless steel AISI 422. Multiple LAMM tests are performed on these materials in side cutting of bulk and fin workpiece configurations with 100-300 μm diameter micro endmills. A 3D transient finite volume prismatic thermal model is used to quantitatively analyse the material temperature increase in the machined chamfer due to laser-assist during the LAMM process. Novel 2D finite element (FE) models are developed in ABAQUS to simulate the continuous chip formation with varying chip thickness with the strain gradient constitutive material models developed for the size effect in micro-milling. The steady-state workpiece and tool cutting temperatures after multiple milling cycles are analysed with a heat transfer model based on the chip formation analysis and the prismatic thermal model predictions. An empirical tool wear model is implemented in the finite element analysis to predict tool wear in the LAMM side cutting process. The FE model results are discussed in chip formation, flow stresses, temperatures and velocity fields to great details, which relate to the surface integrity analysis and built-up edge (BUE) formation in micro-milling.     

Studies on drilling processes of intermetallic compounds

Intermetallic compounds have high-specific strength, good creep resistance and excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. Those good mechanical properties make intermetallic compounds very promising structure materials in industries. Ni₃Al and Fe₃Al are two typical intermetallic compounds. This paper focuses on machinability and tool wear mechanism of PVD TiAlN coated cemented carbide tool in drilling of Ni₃Al and Fe₃Al. The influences of cutting speeds on tool wear and machined surface roughness were investigated. The tool wear mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analysis. Chips were analyzed by SEM and the machined surfaces were examined by surface roughness measurement instrument. Tool life when drilling of Ni₃Al is shorter than that of Fe₃Al. The built-up-edge (BUE) could be formed on the cutting edge in drilling of Fe₃Al, and no BUE was observed of Ni₃Al at the cutting speed of 29 m/min.     

New Tool Coatings for Light Metal Cutting

REDUCTION of fabrication costs and more and moreextended regulations for environmental protection arethe main reasons for going to dry machining in metalcutting applications.For example costs forcooling/cutting liquids may rise to8-16%of themachining costs[1].Dry machining of al-alloys is especially difficultbecause of the tendency of aluminium to stick to thecutting tools.This results in formation of built up edge(BUE)and makes removal of aluminium chips from theflute of the cutting tool …     

硬质合金刀具正交车铣TC4钛合金磨损形貌及机制分析

在车铣复合加工中心Mazak Integrex 200Y上,切削速度为v=150、200 m/min及干式切削条件下,采用硬质合金刀具H13A对钛合金TC4进行正交车铣(顺铣)磨损试验。研究表明高速正交车铣钛合金时,正常磨损阶段前刀面出现不同程度切屑黏结及积屑瘤,后刀面主要以黏结磨损为主,磨损相对均匀;急剧磨损阶段,前刀面切屑黏结加剧,形成连续切屑,缠绕刀具;后刀面由于黏结作用刀具材料被切屑黏结物带走,形成黏结凹坑。刀具磨损的主要原因为黏结磨损、氧化磨损,通过X射线电子能谱(XPS)证明刀具磨损表面有TiO_2、WO_3和Co_3O_4等氧化物生成,分析其对刀具磨损的影响。     

Mechanism and prediction of failure of diamond films deposited on various substrates by HFCVD

Diamond films were deposited on the WC-Co cemented carbide and Si3N4 ceramic cutting tool substrates by hot-filament-assisted chemical vapour deposition. The adherence property of diamond films was estimated using the critical load (Pcr) in the indentation test. The adhesive strength of diamond films is related to the intermediate layer between the film and the substrate. Poor adhesion of diamond films to polished cemented carbide substrate is owing to the formation of graphite phase in the interface. The adhesion of diamond films deposited on acid etched cemented carbide substrate is improved, and the peeling-off of the films often happens in the loosen layer of WC particles where the cobalt element is nearly removed. The diamond films' adhesion to cemented carbide substrate whose surface layer is decarbonizated is strengthened dramatically because WC phase forms by reaction between the deposited carbon and tungsten in the surface layer of substrates during the deposition of diamond, which results in chemical combination in the film-substrate interface. The adhesion of diamond films to silicon nitride substrate is the firmest due to the formation of chemical combination of the SiC intermediate layer in the interfaces. In the piston-turning application, the diamond-coated Si3N4 ceramic and the cemented carbide cutting tools usually fail in the form of collapsing of edge and cracking or flaking respectively. They have no built-up edge(BUE) as long as coating is intact.As it wears through, BUE develops and the cutting force on it increases 1 - 3 times than that prior to failure. This can predict the failure of diamond-coated cutting tools.     

An investigation of factors controlling part growth and surface finish of form tools in the automatic screw machine test

In order to investigate factors controlling part growth and surface finish in the automatic screw machine test, a set of eight separate experiments was carried out. It was observed that flank wear is the major factor in controlling rough-form part growth, but does not account for all of it. Other possible factors were reviewed. The elastic deflection of the workpiece estimated from the increase of the taper of rough-formed part with machine time appears to account for most of the difference between the observed part growth and the estimated values from flank wear. BUE overhang and thermal expansion of the workpiece could also contribute to rough-form part growth. The contribution of BUE overhang could be either positive or negative depending on how overhang size changes with machine time. Thermal expansion of the workpiece would give rise to negative part growth. Interestingly, during the initial 30 min of machining, negative part growth for rough-form tool and rapid positive part growth for finish-form tool were observed. Thermal expansion for the rough-form tool and the change in the size of BUE overhang for both tools are believed to be at least partially responsible for these effects. A procedure to start measuring part growth after approximately 30 minutes of machining is thus recommended. For finish-formed surface finish in this investigation, uneven BUE is believed to be the dominant factor in determining surface roughness.     

Wear mechanisms of the rough form tools in the automatic screw machine test

Tool wear mechanisms of the rough form tools in the automatic screw machine test during machining of bismuth-bearing low carbon resulfurized free machining steel under practical machining conditions were investigated. Four mechanisms, namely mild adhesive wear, abrasive wear, continuous wear, and plastic deformation have been observed to play some roles simultaneously. Mild adhesive wear, which is a wear process taking place during detachment of an adhered chip, is believed to be enhanced by fatigue. Abrasive wear could take place either by oxide inclusions in the workpiece or by the primary carbide particles of the tool freed by some wear mechanisms. Continuous wear has been attributed to some type of atomic process, most probably dissolution of tool material into the chip. On the flank face, continuous, abrasive, and mild adhesive wear are believed to be the major wear mechanisms. On the rake face, continuous wear appears to be the predominant tool wear mechanism. Based on this investigation and consideration of the effect of built-up edge (BUE), reduction of cutting force, optimization of BUE size, stabilization of BUE, and reduction of oxide inclusions are found to be important for reduction of tool wear under practical machining conditions.     

Built-up edge effect on tool wear when turning steels at low cutting speed

In any machining process, it is very important to control the cutting variables used during the process because these will affect, for example, tool life and workpiece surface roughness. Since the built-up edge (BUE) increases the wear of the tool and affects the surface roughness of the workpiece, the study of this phenomenon is very important in predicting and minimizing the wear of a cutting tool. This research studies the influence of the BUE formation for coated carbide tools when turning medium- and high-strength steels. Different mathematical expressions were obtained to quantify this effect. Mathematical expressions for uncoated carbide tools were not possible to obtain, due to the fact that for these tools an increase in the wear and their premature fracture was observed.     

微细铣削时积屑瘤现象的研究

针对微细铣削实验时的积屑瘤现象,在分析其成因的基础上,研究了切削用量、切削液、刀具几何参数、刀具表面粗糙度及工件材料硬度等因素对积屑瘤的影响机制;分析了积屑瘤的产生对加工工件精度、切削力及切削振动的影响;提出了在微细铣削过程中抑制积屑瘤生成的主要方法。     

Development of a new and simple quick-stop device for the study on chip formation

After a brief survey in the literature, this paper described how a new, simple and effective quick-stop device was developed for the study of chip formation without employing any explosive charges or breaking any shear pins. A cutoff tool was employed to obtain orthogonal cutting on an engine lathe, imposing the device to collect chip-root sample. Design considerations of the device elements are indicated. Operation of this purely mechanical device is simple and safe. The developed device has been found to give stable and reliable performance. Many photomicrographs of very satisfactory results were obtained, showing that this device successfully served the purpose of providing a research instrument for the study on chip formation. Finally, the formation of a continuous-type chip with a built-up edge is discussed.     

Ductile shear failure damage modelling and predicting built-up edge in steel machining

This paper reports an improved ductile shear failure model for steels and its application, through finite element simulations, to predicting the conditions for built-up edge formation in steel machining. The model has two parts, a standard damage accumulation law and (the improved part) how damage affects the steel's flow stress after failure. The accumulation law includes a strain to failure with inverse exponential dependence on hydrostatic pressure and reducing in a blue-brittle temperature range. The flow stress after failure remains finite in compressive hydrostatic conditions, to create a friction resistance to shear across the failure surface. Predictions of built-up edge formation depend strongly on strain hardening behaviour. This affects the hydrostatic stress field in the chip formation region. Simulations show the general features of built-up edge formation (a finite cutting speed range with an upper limit determined by increased ductility with temperature and a lower limit determined, depending on conditions, by insufficient heating for blue-brittleness, lower chip/tool friction or a change to unsteady chip formation). The simulations are tested against previously published observations of built-up edge formation in orthogonal cutting of a Russian steel equivalent to AISI 5130. To extend the work to a wider range of steels requires more data to be gathered on individual steels’ damage accumulation law coefficients. Also, at this stage, the simulations only predict the conditions (cutting speed, uncut chip thickness) in which built-up edge forms. They are not able to follow the growth of the built-up edge to its final shape.     

Effects of Fe intermetallics on the machinability of heat-treated Al–(7–11)% Si alloys

The need for bridging the divide between the casting process and the machining process provides a strong motivation for examining the various aspects affecting the machinability of Al–Si casting alloys, given that these alloys constitute about 85% of all aluminum castings produced. Strontium-modified, grain-refined, T6 heat-treated 396 alloys (containing ～11% Si), and B319.2 and A356.2 alloys (containing ～7% Si) were selected, with a view to studying their machinability characteristics. Three 396 alloy compositions were selected (M1, M3, M4) such that different iron intermetallic phases were obtained in each case. Drilling and tapping operations were both carried out using a Makino A88E machine under fixed machining conditions. The machinability criteria relates to forces and moment analysis as well as to tool life, chip configuration, and built-up edge (BUE) evolution. The effects of Fe-intermetallics (α-Fe, β-Fe, and sludge) on the machining characteristics of these alloys were investigated and a comparison was made between the three 396 alloys in terms of mean total drilling forces, mean total tapping forces, tool life, and chip configuration. The results demonstrate that the presence of sludge has a significant effect on cutting forces and tool life. The tool life of the 396-M3 alloy (containing sludge) decreased by 50% compared to the base alloy 396-M1 (containing α-Fe intermetallics). Increasing the Fe-content from 0.5% to 1% in the M1 alloy (i.e., M4 alloy) produces a distinct improvement in the alloy machinability in terms of cutting forces and tool life. The addition of Fe and Mn appears to have no discernible effect on the built-up-edge (BUE) width and chip configuration as compared to the base alloy. The dominant type of wear which leads to drill failure and breakage is outer corner wear; there is, however, no evidence of crater-wear. Fan-shaped chips were obtained during machining of the 396, B319.2 and A356.2 alloys, where the latter alloy yielded the largest chips. As far as the alloy Si content was concerned, it was found that the 396 alloys produce drilling results similar to those of the B319.2 and A356.2 alloys, in terms of the number of holes drilled (cf. 2160 with 2100 and 2285 holes drilled in the B319.2, and A356.2 alloys, respectively). During tapping tests, however, the B319.2 alloy yielded the longest tool life, i.e., more than twice that of 396 alloy and four-and-half-times that of the A356.2 alloy.     

钻削B4C颗粒增强铝合金工艺参数对刀具磨损和孔尺寸精度影响的分析和优化

基于刀具磨损和钻孔尺寸误差等多个性能指标,对B4C颗粒增强铝合金切削加工参数进行评估和优化。通过Taguchi的L27,3水平4因子正交阵列进行实验设计。研究结果表明：磨粒磨损和积屑瘤一般在刀具磨损时形成,同时,边角磨损也具有重大意义。影响切削刀具的侧面磨损主要决定因素是合金中的颗粒质量分数,其次分别是进给速率、钻头的硬度和主轴转速。在所有使用的刀具中,有TiAlN涂层的硬质合金钻头在刀具磨损以及孔尺寸方面具有最佳性能。灰关系分析表明：钻头材料的影响比进给速度和主轴转速的影响更大。在最佳的钻探参数下可以得到最小的刀具磨损和孔直径误差。     

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.     

Tapping of Al–Si alloys with diamond-like carbon coated tools and minimum quantity lubrication

The deep hole drilling and tapping of automotive powertrain components made of hypoeutectic Al–Si alloys are of considerable importance. This work investigates the dry and minimum quantity lubricated (MQL) tapping of Al–6.5%Si (319 Al) alloys as alternatives to conventional flooded tapping. Two types of tests were done in comparison with flooded tapping. In the first set dry tapping experiments were performed using diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated and uncoated HSS taps. HSS-dry tapping caused immediate tool failure within less than 20 holes due to aluminum adhesion, resulting in high forward and backward torques. DLC-dry tapping improved tool life considerably and exhibited small torques. The second set of tapping experiments used MQL and only uncoated HSS taps. The use of MQL at the rate of 80 ml/h produced similar average torques to flooded tapping, and a high thread quality was observed. DLC coatings’ low COFs against 319 Al limited the temperature increase during DLC-dry tapping to 75 °C. The low COF of DLC against aluminum was responsible for preventing built-up edge (BUE) formation and thus, instrumental in improving thread quality. The use of MQL reduced the tapping temperature to 55 °C. The mechanical properties of the material adjacent to tapped holes, evaluated using hardness measurements, revealed a notable softening in the case of HSS-dry tapping, but not for MQL tapping. The presence of sulphur and phosphorus-based additives in MQL fluids proved beneficial in preventing aluminum adhesion.     

An experimental study of burr formation in square shoulder face milling

Previous research on burr formation in face milling operations has usually been limited to the study of the rollover burr in the cutting direction and/or to a few machining parameters. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of the main cutting parameters on the formation of the more important burrs produced in face milling operations, namely exit burr in the cutting direction, exit burr in the feed direction and the burr formed at the top edge in a square shoulder face milling operation. Feed per tooth (Sz), cutting velocity (V), axial depth of cut (a) and exit angle (EXA) were the cutting parameters investigated. The effects of mode of milling, tool nose geometry and tool coating were also investigated to a lesser extent. The results show that exit angle and depth of cut are the cutting parameters which have a major influence on the exit burr in the cutting direction, whereas the exit burr in the feed direction is mainly affected by depth of cut. The top burr is very small and only slightly influenced by cutting conditions. It is also shown that down-milling can effectively eliminate the formation of burrs in some cases, whereas an unfavourable tool nose geometry can double the size of buns.     

Effects of substrate preheating during direct energy deposition on microstructure,hardness, tensile strength,and notch toughness

This study examined the effects of substrate preheating for the hardfacing of cold-press dies using the high-speed tool steel AISI M4. The preheating of the substrate is a widely used technique for reducing the degree of thermal deformation and preventing crack formation. We investigated the changes in the metallurgical and mechanical properties of the high-speed tool steel M4 deposited on an AISI D2 substrate with changes in the substrate preheating temperature. Five preheating temperatures (100-500 °C; interval of 100 °C) were selected, and the changes in the temperature of the substrate during deposition were observed. As the preheating temperature of the substrate was increased, the temperature gradient between the melting layer and the substrate decreased; this prevented the formation of internal cracks, owing to thermal stress relief. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed that a dendritic structure was formed at the interface between the deposited layer and the substrate while a cellular microstructure was formed in the deposited layer. As the preheating temperature was increased, the sizes of the cells and precipitated carbides also increased. Furthermore, the hardness increased slightly while the strength and toughness decreased. Moreover, the tensile and impact properties deteriorated rapidly at excessively high preheating temperatures (greater than 500 °C). The results of this study can be used as preheating criteria for achieving the desired mechanical properties during the hardfacing of dies and molds.     

Study on wear mechanisms in drilling of Inconel 718 superalloy

The wear mechanisms and the approach to prolong the service life of the TiAlN coated carbide tool in drilling Inconel 718 superalloy are presented. It is found that the coated layer on the cutting edge is gradually abraded-off at the first stage of drill wear due to an excessive friction force on the tool–work interface. This in turns intensifies the friction force and leads to an increase of drilling force. Built-up edge (BUE) is then formed, and chipping starting from the relatively weaker cutting edge takes place subsequently. As a result, many micro-cracks are observed to distribute over the worn area. The subsurface fatigue cracks grow as the drilling process is proceeding. Together with the abrasion of hard carbide particles of the work material, the cutting edges break eventually parallel to the direction of fatigue cracks. At this moment, longer chip forms and cutting process is disturbed to an extent that the process can no longer be effectively continued. Failure of the drill is noted in a very short period of time once the long chips are observed. Finally, drilling experiments with the use of the cutting fluid containing the nano-particle low friction surface modifier are conducted. It is found that the service life of the drill is lengthened significantly and hence the machining cost can be greatly reduced.     

Investigation of wear behavior and chip formation for cutting tools with nano-multilayered TiAlCrN/NbN PVD coating

A comprehensive investigation of the wear progress and chip formation was performed on an ultra-fine-grained cemented carbide ball nose end mill coated with a novel nano-multilayered TiAlCrN/NbN coating, by dry machining-hardened steel AISI H13 (HRC 55–57) at a cutting speed of 300 m/min. Flank wear and cutting forces were measured as the wear progressed; chip temperatures were estimated. The surface morphology of the tools were studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis techniques. Results showed that protective oxide films (Al–O, Cr–O and Nb–O) were formed during cutting. With the combination of the protective oxide films and the fine-grain tough substrate, the tool wear rate was greatly reduced compared to the other coatings tested. Continuous and saw-tooth chips were identified, corresponding to a new sharp tool and a worn tool, respectively. The mechanisms of saw-tooth chip formation were found to be a combination of “crack theory” and “adiabatic shear theory”. The characteristics of the chips were studied in detail with the results showing that during formation the chips underwent a combined effect of strain hardening and thermal softening, followed by a quenching phenomenon.     

PROCESS OF CARBIDE PORMATION DURING AUSTENITEPEARLITE TRANSFORMATION IN CHROMIUM STEELS

研究了四种高铬钢在恒温分解为珠光体时的碳化物形成过程。对所得结果和其他作者的结果进行了分析,得到统一的规律。 在铬钢中,珠光体转变时可以直接形成(Fe,Cr)_3C,(Cr,Fe)_7C_3或(Cr,Fe)_(23)C_6。但是,不同类型碳化物的形成并不决定于平衡图上所要求的碳化物类型,而决定于奥氏体中的Cr:C比值。Cr:C比值对碳化物成核的过程起着主导的作用。