The effect of cryogenic treatment on tapping

This study was realized with two different types (flat and thread rolled) of coated (TiAlN), uncoated, and cryogenically treated taps (uncoated). The tapping processes were carried at four different cutting speeds (2, 3, 4, and 5 m/min) and 1.25 mm/rev feed rate under dry and wet cutting conditions on the Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. The measured cutting forces (cutting torque) were evaluated according to the cutting tool and cutting parameters. The best results in terms of cutting torque were obtained with straight flutes with spiral point taps. For the coated cutting tools, it was seen that the cutting torque was higher with respect to the other tools. The cutting fluid caused decreases in cutting forces for both of the cutters. Under dry cutting conditions, in the cryogenically treated tool, cutting torques came out to be lower with respect to the coated and uncoated tool.