Abstract
The tool performance of uncoated carbide insert, CNGG 12408-SGF-H13A, in turning the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI with 32 HRC was investigated. The objective of this study is to investigate the tool wear progression during finish turning of the titanium alloy using different combinations of cutting parameter values. A high cutting speed range for the uncoated carbide insert was used to cut Ti-6Al-4V ELI under flooded conditions. The cutting parameters were chosen based on the experimental design. In particular, the Box-Behnken design was used to determine 17 parameter combinations. The three main factors considered were the cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The cutting speeds were 120, 170, and 220 m/min; the feed rate values were 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mm/rev; and the depths of cut were 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 mm. The results show that the cutting speed had the greatest effect on the tool life, followed by the feed rate and depth of cut. The optimum combination of cutting parameters is as follows: a cutting speed of 220 m/min, a feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev, and a depth of cut of 0.5 mm. Moreover, the shortest tool life was 1.2 min, whereas the longest was 42.2 min. Analysis of the wear mechanisms indicate that flank and crater wear are the major types of failure in titanium alloy turning.
