Investigating the feasibility of DLC-coated twist drills in deep-hole drilling

The ideal coating for twist drills used to drill deep holes should have both a high hardness and a smooth surface. The latter property is considered to ease chip evacuation through the drill’s chip flutes and, therefore, reduces the risk of chip clogging and possible premature drill fractures. For this reason, diamond-like carbon (DLC) appears to be a well-suited type of coating. This paper presents the results of cutting tests using DLC-coated HSS and cobalt-HSS twist drills when drilling deep holes of diameter 1.5 mm into plain carbon steel. Their capability to extract swarf from the borehole as well as their tool lives were investigated and compared to uncoated and TiN- and MoS₂-coated drills. Although the DLC-coated drills showed a very good swarf disposal capability, they did not exhibit a longer tool life when compared to off-the-shelf drills.     

钛合金微小孔钻削试验研究

应用自行研制的TiC涂层和类金刚石（DLC）涂层硬质合金钻头以及市售硬质合金钻头（WC-Co）对钛合金材料进行微小孔钻削性能对比试验,研究了进给速度与切削力和扭矩的关系,分析了刀具的磨损特征以及孔的表面质量和孔入口处的毛刺情况。结果表明：DLC涂层硬质合金钻头比普通硬质合金钻头和TiC涂层硬质合金钻头更适合加工钛合金材料微小孔。     

Effects of geometric structure of twist drill bits and cutting condition on tool life in drilling 42CrMo ultrahigh-strength steel

To investigate the influence of the geometric structure of coated cemented carbide twist drills on the drill tool life, drilling experiments of 42CrMo steel were carried out at various cutting parameters. The geometric structure parameters of the specially manufactured drill bits were designed by the multifactor orthogonal experiment method. The effects of cutting edge preparation, drill point geometry, and flute geometry on the tool wear were investigated by the range analysis and variance analysis. And their effects on chip pattern were also studied. Then the influence of cutting parameters on the tool life was investigated. Based on these investigations and extending the tool life, the optimized geometric structure was the honed cutting edge with a radius of 0.06 mm and conventional conical flank, and the corresponding cutting parameters were 80 m/min and 0.18 mm/rev. At last, the tool wear characteristics were discussed and the main wear mechanisms were abrasive wear, adhesive wear, coating exfoliation, and tipping.     

OPTIMIZATION STUDIES ON HOLE-MAKING TOOLS FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE CUTTING AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Austenitic stainless steel is a kind of difficult-to-cut material utilized widely in various industry fields. Hole-making tools are the uppermost obstacle of high performance cutting, so the optimizations of tools are imperative. This paper presents respectively the optimal geometrical characteristics and corresponding coating for high performance cutting austenitic stainless steel. The appreciated cutting performance of optimized tools with optimized cutting parameters has also been evaluated completely through experiments. Optimized special drills with point angle 138° and helix angle 38° was decided and TiCN coating was selected as the best coating. However optimized taps had different geometry structures for tapping through holes and blind holes. The former adopted the spiral pointed tap with inclination angle 15 °. The latter was spiral fluted tap with helix angle 34°. In high-performance cutting austenitic stainless steel, the optimized cutting parameters of special drills are 16 m/min and 0.13 mm/rev. The research results will be of great benefit for the development and application of high efficient and precise drills and taps of high performance cutting austenitic stainless steel.     

Dry and minimum quantity lubrication high-throughput drilling of compacted graphite iron

This research studies the sustainable and high-throughput drilling of compacted graphite iron (CGI), a high strength, lightweight material for automotive powertrain applications. CGI drilling experiments were conducted using a 4 mm diameter coated carbide drill at 26.5 mm/s feed rate. In two repeated tests under three lubrication conditions: dry, dry with through-the-drill compressed air, and through-the-drill minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), the drills were able to produce a maximum of 1,740, 3,150 and 2,948 holes, respectively, before the breakage of the drill. The Joule–Thomson effect due to the expansion of high pressure air from through-the-drill holes at the drill tip, chip shape, chip size and chip speed are investigated. Flank wear of the drill cutting edge is measured and results are correlated to drill life. Results indicate that dry machining of CGI is technically feasible. Chip evacuation and advanced tool cooling are important factors that affect drill life for high-throughput sustainable dry drilling of CGI.     

Experimental assessment of textured tools with nano-lubricants in orthogonal cutting of titanium alloy

In this study, we investigated the effects of composite nano-Cu/WS₂ lubricating oil and single-point diamond indentation-textures on improving the cutting performance of YG8 cemented carbide tools, which is crucial for textures tool applications. The aims of the study were to improve wear resistance and reduce chip adhesion at the tool’s rake face in cutting of titanium alloys. Dot textures with different spacings were fabricated on the surface of YG8 cemented carbide tools through the single-point diamond indentation method, and composite nano-Cu/WS₂ lubricating oil was prepared. Orthogonal cutting tests were carried out under dry cutting and minimal quantity lubricated (MQL) conditions. Investigate the effect of different texture spacing on the cutting performance in the light of cutting forces, friction coefficient, the deformed chip thickness, tool adhesions, and chip morphology. The results show that the dot texture effectively improved the lubrication conditions in machining titanium alloys under the MQL conditions. The dot texture is effective at low speed in the dry cutting conditions. With the increase of cutting speed, the friction coefficient of dot texture tool is affected by texture spacing, and the friction coefficient of DT-200 tool is the smallest. In addition, composite nano Cu/WS₂ lubricating oil forms a lubricating film on the wear path by atomizing the lubricating oil and stores it in the dot texture, which enhances the anti-wear performance in the cutting process and reduces the cutting force and friction coefficient at the tool chip interface. By evaluating cutting force, friction coefficient, chip and tool morphology, it is concluded that DT-100 tool is more effective in improving lubrication conditions.

     

The effect of starting hole geometry on borehole quality and tool life of twist drills

This paper reports about the relationship between starting hole geometry and twist drill performance, which is determined by the location error and diameter of the drilled borehole as well as the tool life of the employed twist drills. The experimental results lead towards the conclusion that the type of starting hole has a significant effect on borehole quality. This, however, is not as commonly assumed attributed to a variation in the location error of the different starting holes themselves, but to how a starting hole allows the subsequent twist drill to engage in the cutting process. Although twist drills that drill straight into the workpiece material achieved the longest tool life due to a gentle engagement, a deep starting hole (‘pilot hole’) results in the most satisfying overall twist drill performance.     

Study on the effect of frequency tracing in ultrasonic-assisted drilling of titanium alloy

Drilling titanium alloys are difficult because of the inherent material properties, particularly the low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity. This paper presents the design of a frequency tracing system and the experimental investigation in ultrasonic-assisted drilling (UAD) of titanium alloy. In order to realize the degree of influence between developed frequency tracing system and cutting parameters (frequency tracing, operating voltage, drill diameter, feed rate, and spindle speed) in UAD of titanium alloy, a L₁₈ (2?×?3⁷) orthogonal array was employed. Based on the experimental results, the importance of drill diameter, feed rate, and spindle speed in assessing thrust force is highlighted. On the other hand, average thrust force reduction of 3.2% was realized with frequency tracing compared to without the frequency tracing counterpart in UAD of titanium alloy. Moreover, the best combination to get lower thrust force in UAD of titanium alloy is A₂B₂C₃D₁E₃ (i.e., frequency tracing = YES, operating voltage?=?500 V, drill diameter?=?3 mm, feed rate?=?10 mm/min, and spindle speed?=?1,000 rpm) within the selected test range.     

Optimization of cutting parameters on drill bit temperature in drilling by Taguchi method

In this study, the optimization of the cutting parameters on drill bit temperature in drilling was performed. Al 7075 work piece and the uncoated and Firex® coated carbide drills in the experimental were used. The optimization of the cutting parameters was evaluated by Taguchi method. The control factors were considered as the cutting speed, feed rate and cutting tool. Taguchi method was used to determining the settings of cutting parameters. The L₁₈ orthogonal array was used in experimental planning. The most significant control factors affected on drill bit temperature measurements was obtained by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Taguchi design method exhibit a good performance in the optimization of cutting parameters on drill bit temperature measurements. In addition, the empirical equations of drill bit temperatures were derived by using regression analysis. The obtained equations results compared with the drill bit temperature measurement results. The empirical equations results indicated a good agreement with experimental results.     

Microabrasion Wear Behavior of Fast-Borided Steel Tooth Drill Bits

In this study, the surface of steel tooth drill bits (Ni-Cr-Mo based) was subjected to the solid-state boriding treatment with 10- to 50-nm nanoboron powder. Boriding processes were carried out at a constant temperature of 1273 K for 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 min using a solid-state box boriding technique. Borided drill bit samples were characterized by conventional methods (microstructure, microhardness, X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis). The wear behavior of borided samples was tested at different loads and sliding speeds by a microabrasion experimental setup. Metallographic studies showed that the boride layers have a sawtooth morphology and consist of FeB and Fe₂B. The thickness and hardness of the boride layer were 35.29–202.56 μm and 1300–2333 HV_0.1, respectively, depending on the duration. The wear resistance of borided samples increased significantly due to the increase in surface hardness and lubricating effect, both of which were caused by the boriding process. A groove wear mechanism prevailed in borided samples, whereas that of bare steel tooth drill bits (STDBs) was grooving, rolling, and mixed.     

Comparative assessment of the mechanical and electromagnetic surfaces of explosively clad Ti–steel plates after drilling process

The present work pertains to the analysis of surface topography of explosively clad material such as titanium plated steel in drilling process. The study was conducted for different types of indexable insert drills with different configuration of the tool coatings and for WC-Co drill tool. In this context, surface topography of the drilled holes especially in the region of contact area was analyzed. Metrological analysis was performed using stylus-based and optical profilometry. In this paper the differences between mechanically and electromagnetically measured surfaces are highlighted. It has been observed that the parameters of the surface topography are dependent upon the type of layers of the clad and the type of drill.     

Evaluation of performance of nanofluid using multiwalled carbon nanotubes for machining of Ti–6AL–4V

Machining of titanium alloys generate very high temperature in the cutting zone. This results in rapid tool wear and poor surface properties. Therefore, improvement in cutting performance in machining of titanium alloys is very much dependent on effectiveness of the cooling strategies applied. In the present work, performance of nanofluid using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersed in distilled water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant is evaluated for turning operation on Ti–6Al–4V workpieces. Turning operations were carried out under three different conditions – dry, with conventional cutting fluid and with nanofluid. Nanofluid application was limited to 1 L/h and it was applied at the tool tip through gravity feed. Various machining responses like cutting force, surface finish and tool wear were analyzed while turning at optimum cutting parameters as 150 m/min, 0.1 mm/rev and 1 mm depth of cut. Later on, machining performance of nanofluid is confirmed at low cutting speed of 90 m/min. Nanofluid outperformed conventional cutting fluid with 34% reduction in tool wear, average 28% drop in cutting forces and 7% decrease in surface roughness at cutting speed of 150 m/min.     

An experimental investigation into the comparison of the performance characteristics of TiN and ZrN coatings on split point drills using the static and stochastic models of the force system as a signature

This paper presents a comparison of the performance characteristics of TiN (Titanium nitride) and ZrN (Zirconium nitride) coatings on split point drills. The objective of this work was to choose the better coating for machining tough materials like INCONEL. This leads to an increased productivity of drilling holes in certain components of environmental control systems and fuel control systems (in aerospace industry) made of tough materials like INCONEL. The comparison of the performance characteristics was based on the measurement of the mean values and dynamic fluctuations of the cutting force and the number of holes drilled under the same optimum machining conditions. The measurements were carried out using two specially designed piezoelectric dynamometers. The dynamometer was calibrated from static and dynamic outputs and techniques were employed for increasing the measuring accuracy and reducing the cross interference by obtaining the elements of the tranfer function. Power spectrum plots of the drift force, axial force and torque were obtained so that these plots may be used as a signature. Results show that the ZrN coating is better than the TiN coating because (a) the mean values of the axialforce, drift force and torque are smaller, thus improving the roundness, (b) the dynamic flutuations of the forces and torque about the mean are smaller thus improving the surface quality of the holes produced, (c) the number of holes before the failure of the drill is about three times more for a ZrN coated split point drill as compared to a TiN coated drill.     

ANN-based prediction of surface and hole quality in drilling of AISI D2 cold work tool steel

This paper focuses on artificial neural network (ANN)-based modeling of surface and hole quality in drilling of AISI D2 cold work tool steel with uncoated titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) monolayer- and TiAlN/TiN multilayer-coated-cemented carbide drills. A number of drilling experiments were conducted at all combinations of different cutting speeds (50, 55, 60, and 65 m/min) and feed rates (0.063 and 0.08 mm/rev) to obtain training and testing data. The experimental results showed that the surface roughness (Ra) and roundness error (Re) values were obtained with the TiN monolayer- and TiAlN/TiN multilayer-coated drills, respectively. Using some of the experimental data in training stage, an ANN model was developed. To evaluate the performance of the developed ANN model, ANN predictions were compared with the experimental results. It was found that the determination coefficient values are more than 0.99 for both training and test data. Root mean square error and mean error percentage values were very low. ANN results showed that ANN can be used as an effective modeling technique in accurate prediction of the Ra and Re.     

Failure mechanisms of a PCD tool in high-speed face milling of Ti–6Al–4V alloy

High-speed milling tests were carried out on Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy with a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tool. Tool wear morphologies were observed and examined with a digital microscope. The main tool failure mechanisms were discussed and analyzed utilizing scanning electron microscope, and the element distribution of the failed tool surface was detected using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that tool flank wear rate increased with the increase in cutting speed. The PCD tool is suitable for machining of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy with a cutting speed around 250 m/min. The PCD tool exhibited relatively serious chipping and spalling at cutting speed higher than 375 m/min, within further increasing of the cutting speed the flank wear and breakage increased greatly as a result of the enhanced thermal–mechanical impacts. In addition, the PCD tool could hardly work at cutting speed of 1,000 m/min due to the catastrophic fracture of the cutting edge and intense flank wear. There was evidence of workpiece material adhesion on the tool rake face and flank face in very close proximity to the cutting edge rather than on the chipped or flaked surface, which thereby leads to the accelerating flank wear. The failure mechanisms of PCD tool in high-speed wet milling of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy were mainly premature breakage and synergistic interaction among adhesive wear and abrasive wear.     

Dry machining of aluminum for proper selection of cutting tool: tool performance and tool wear

Machining of aluminum and its alloy is very difficult due to the adhesion and diffusion of aluminum, thus the formation of built-up edge (BUE) on the surface. The BUE, which affects the surface integrity and tool life significantly, affects the service and performance of the workpiece. The minimization of BUE was carried out by selection of proper cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, and cutting tool material. This paper presents machining of rolled aluminum at cutting speeds of 336, 426, and 540 m/min, the feeds of 0.045, 0.06, and 0.09 mm/rev, and a constant depth of cut of 0.2 mm in dry condition. Five cutting tools WC SPUN grade, WC SPGN grade, WC + PVD (physical vapor deposition) TiN coating, WC + Ti (C, N) + Al₂O₃ PVD multilayer coatings, and PCD (polycrystalline diamond) were utilized for the experiments. The surface roughness produced, total flank wear, and cut chip thicknesses were measured. The characterization of the tool was carried out by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The chip underface was analyzed for the study of chip deformation produced after machining. The results indicated that the PCD tool provides better results in terms of roughness, tool wear, and smoother chip underface. It provides promising results in all aspects.     

Machinability of Kevlar® 49 Composite Laminates While Using Standard TiN Coated HSS Drills

Abstract

This article addresses the machinability of plain weave Kevlar® 49 prepeg composite laminates of different thickness while using 135° split-point TiN coated 6 mm diameter HSS drills. The effect of composite preparation parameters and the drilling conditions on the machinability of the laminates is assessed using the drilling thrust force, cutting torque, and specific cutting energy. The thickness and processing time of the laminates as well as the drilling process parameters were found to influence the maximum value of thrust force and torque as well as the quality of drilled holes. The wear features of the drills used in machining Kevlar composites have been found to be different from the conventional wear patterns that occur during drilling metals and alloys.     

OPTIMIZATION STUDIES ON HOLE-MAKING TOOLS FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE CUTTING AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Austenitic stainless steel is a kind of difficult-to-cut material utilized widely in various industry fields. Hole-making tools are the uppermost obstacle of high performance cutting, so the optimizations of tools are imperative. This paper presents respectively the optimal geometrical characteristics and corresponding coating for high performance cutting austenitic stainless steel. The appreciated cutting performance of optimized tools with optimized cutting parameters has also been evaluated completely through experiments. Optimized special drills with point angle 138° and helix angle 38° was decided and TiCN coating was selected as the best coating. However optimized taps had different geometry structures for tapping through holes and blind holes. The former adopted the spiral pointed tap with inclination angle 15 °. The latter was spiral fluted tap with helix angle 34°. In high-performance cutting austenitic stainless steel, the optimized cutting parameters of special drills are 16 m/min and 0.13 mm/rev. The research results will be of great benefit for the development and application of high efficient and precise drills and taps of high performance cutting austenitic stainless steel.     

高温合金NiCr20TiAl钻削加工特性研究

高温合金是金属材料中最难加工的材料之一,使用M42高性能高速钢非涂层麻花钻,对变形高温合金材料NiCr20TiAl进行钻削加工.通过改变切削参数和冷却条件,对切削加工过程中刀具的寿命、切屑形态和刀具失效机理进行了试验研究.结果表明,高性能高速钢M42麻花钻主要的失效方式是后刀面磨粒磨损、粘结磨损、扩散磨损、沟槽磨损和崩...     

铝合金加工用变导程钻头切削试验

通过合理选择刀具几何参数,针对麻花钻螺旋角及导程的研究,设计一种适合加工铝合金的变导程钻头。通过与普通(恒导程)麻花钻的对比切削试验,得出结论:在切削铝合金材料时,变导程钻头的切削性能优于普通恒导程钻头。其切屑形态较好,切削力小,不易粘刀,排屑顺利,被加工孔表面质量好。