Effect of cutting atmosphere on dry machining performance with Al2O3/ZrB2/ZrO2 ceramic tool

In this paper, Al₂O₃/ZrB₂/ZrO₂ ceramic cutting tool was produced by hot pressing. Dry cutting tests in air and nitrogen atmospheres were carried out on normalized AISI 1045 steel. The tool wear, cutting temperature, cutting force, and friction coefficient were measured. Compared in nitrogen, the friction coefficient in air was reduced when the cutting speed was higher than 160 m/min. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis techniques were employed to observe the worn surfaces of the ceramic tools, and the wear mechanisms were simultaneously discussed. Experimental data and observations revealed the formation of oxide film under air in dry machining, which related to the decrease of the friction coefficient and the improvement of cutting performance.