Machinability of Nodular Cast Irons : Tool Life and Variation in Tool Forces with Flank Wear

抄録

Tool life tests were conducted on ferritic nodular cast iron (grade 60) with carbide and ceramic cutting tools, and the results were compared with those for pearlitic nodular cast iron (grades 80 and 100). It was found that the ribbon type flank build-up or smear protects the flank of carbide tool from flank wear. The tool life for ferritic nodular cast iron was much longer than that for pearlitic nodular cast iron. The cast iron cutting grade carbide showed better tool life than the steel cutting grade carbide when machining nodular cast irons. The tool life for ceramic tool was longer than that for carbides, especially at high speeds because of the steep slope of the tool life curve for the ceramic tool. The wear processes of carbide and ceramic tools were investigated together with the variation in tool forces due to flank wear.