Design and performance analysis of TiCN-coated cemented carbide milling cutters

The Taguchi method was employed to analyze and optimize titanium carbonitri de films of cemented carbide (WC-6%Co-10%TiC-8%TaC) indexable milling cutte rs regarding machining conditions. Six variables, i.e. film construction, c utting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, workpiece hardness and milling type, were considered. The results showed that the film construction was the mos t dominant variable, with a percentage contribution to the overall performa nce of the milling system as high as 46.10%. Through statistical calculatio n, an optimum variable combination was obtained, the optimal film construct ion being 3 mu m TiCN + 2 mu m TiCN (from the substrate to the top) rather than 5 mu m TiCN alone. The resultant flank wear achieved 380 and 280% impr ovement compared with the uncoated and 5 mu m TiCN-coated cutters. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.