ON THE WEAR OF TIN (PVD) COATED CERMET CUTTING TOOLS

The last decade was characterised by the introduction of PVD coated cu tting tools, which presently take a large share of the cutting tool ma rket. Recently, in contrast to predictions, TiC-based cermets appeared on the market exhibiting cuffing behaviour which makes them competiti ve with coated WC-based hardmetals. The present paper discusses the re sults of a study devoted to understanding wear mechanisms of a TiN(PVD ) coated Ti(C,N)-based cermets. Static diffusion experiments were cond ucted in order to simulate the diffusion process across the tool-work piece interface at high temperature and pressure. Experimental coated and uncoated tool materials were tested in machining Ck 45 steel under different cutting conditions. The diffusion couples and the worn cuff ing tools were analysed by SEM, EDS and AES in order to identify the d ominant wear mechanisms. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.