Abstract
Milling tests were conducted in order to investigate the cutting performances of a binder-less PcBN tool in the machining of Ti-6Al-2Nb-1Ta (α-β type alloy) and Ti-15 Mo-5Zr-3Al (β type alloy), which are used as surgical implant materials. In milling of the α-β type alloy, some micro chippings on the rake face of the tool were observed as a typical pattern of tool damage. In the case of the β type alloy, however, there were not only micro chippings on the rake face, but also many micro-flakes on the flank face. The occurrence of micro-flakes on the flank face influenced the structural strength of the cutting edge, and finally caused it to fail. Therefore, the rate of tool damage in milling of the β type alloy was higher than that in milling of the α-β type alloy.
