Wear simulation of Si3N4 cutting tool material on a pin-on-disc tester

Si₃N₄-based ceramic cutting tools are used nowadays for machining cast iron, nickel-based alloys, etc. Austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 is one of the most difficult to cut materials. In order to investigate the wear behaviour of Si₃N₄ ceramic when cutting the stainless steel, wear tests are carried out on a pin-on-disc tribometer, which can simulate a realistic cutting process. The selected load range is from 58.8 N to 235.2 N, the speed range is from 0.8 m/s to 3.2 m/s. The test results show that the wear of Si₃N₄ ceramic increases with both load and speed and the wear of the ceramic is mainly caused by adhesion between the rubbing surfaces. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) and energy dispersive X-ray analyser (EDXS) were used for examinations of the worn surfaces. The wear mechanisms of Si₃N₄ ceramic sliding against the stainless steel were discussed in detail.