Abstract
Recently, cutting has replaced grinding in finish processing of hardened steel. However, tool damage is a major problem in high-efficiency operations that use high-speed cutting and high-feed rate conditions rather than the more commonly used cutting conditions. Therefore, a new cutting technique that can realize high-efficiency cutting is desired. In the previous report, processing efficiency has been improved 3 to 5 times compared with conventional cutting by rotary cutting of hardened steel. Furthermore, in order to attain high efficiency, the wear resistance and oxidation resistance of tool material need to improve. In this study, the cutting performance of Al rich coated tool which improved oxidation resistance was investigated on fast cutting speed conditions. Based on the obtained results, the flank wear of conventional TiAlN coated tool and Al rich tool were less than 50μm with cutting speed 1.67m/s even in cutting length 5.0km. Additionally, the each tool wear advanced progressively without flaking. Although the cutting performance of Al rich tool is the same as that of the conditions of cutting speed 1.67m/s even if cutting speed increases to 2.51m/s, conventional TiAlN coated tool indicated serious failure at cutting length 3.0km. It is thought that the difference of the oxidation resistance of both tools influenced the cutting performance.
