Tribological and Machining Performance of Tungsten Carbide Cutting Tool Material Coated with Different Carbon Nitride Films

Abstract

In this study, the tribological properties of tungsten carbide (WC) cutting tools coated with AlTiCN and CrCN ceramic films and their machining performance were investigated in both CNC vertical machining centre and lathe. The coatings were applied on end milling tools, lathe inserts and 12 x 12 x 5 mm sized test samples by cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD) method. The plastic injection mould steel workpiece was machined with high-speed dry cutting by CNC vertical machining centre and with coolant by CNC lathe to determine the cutting and wear performance of coated and uncoated tools. According to the results, it was determined that AlTiCN has higher microhardness and adhesion value and lower wear rate value than CrCN. It was also determined that the tools coated with AlTiCN thin film have superior properties in terms of both mass loss and flank wear width after machining processes.