Abstract
The temperature distribution at the tool-chip interface was measured using an innovative indexable insert that possesses seven pairs of micro Cu/Ni thermocouples on the rake face near the cutting edge. The temperature measurement experiments in the turning of aluminum alloy A5056 were conducted under the cutting conditions with a depth of cut of 2 mm, a feed rate of 0.25 mm/rev and cutting speeds of 227 m/min and 405 m/min. The change in the temperature distribution within cutting time of 6 s was grasped successfully. From the beginning of cut, the temperature in the tool-chip contact region elevated rapidly, and then it leveled off within less than 0.5 s. The shape of the temperature distribution obtained provides information concerning the tool-chip contact region. The maximum temperature is located inside the tool-chip contact region. The temperatures outside the tool-chip contact region are substantially lower than those inside the region. The maximum temperature rises approximately by 50 K when the cutting speed increases from 227 m/min to 405 m/min.
