Strengthening of hardmetal inserts for cutting tools through heat treatment and surface modifications (PVD, CVD coatings)

The concept of strengthening a binder cobalt phase in P30 and P20 hardmetal s by means of heat treatment in a salt bath and in an argon atmosphere has been used. The physicochemical modifications of the binder cobalt phase in hardmetal tools after heat treatment have effected an improvement of streng th, tribological properties and cutting abilities. The results of cutting t ests using PVD and carbon vapor deposition (CVD) coated inserts were compar ed. Technical and economical analysis confirmed the numerous advantages of the presented heat treatment technology. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.