The use of metal ion implantation to increase the lifetime and general
performance of cutting tools has been explored. Extensive laboratory
and field testing has shown that dual implantation, with titanium and
nickel ions to a dose of 5 x 10(16) cm-2 at 70 kV acceleration voltage
using a MEVVA(R) ion implantation system, can at least double the lif
etime of carbide tool inserts in turning, grooving, drilling and threa
ding applications on a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous work materia
ls, and triples the lifetime of carbide end mills. In addition, it is
possible to increase cutting speed and feed rates by as much as 50%, a
nd still increase the tool lifetime. The effectiveness of ion implanta
tion applies equally well to coated as well as uncoated tools, regardl
ess of the coating material or deposition process. Following indicatio
ns given in the literature, it is thought that the implantation proces
s induces a dense dislocation network to a depth of many microns in th
e tool surface which increases the wear resistance.