Abstract
In order to study the effects of atmospheric molecules,a micro-cutting experiment of Fe was carried out with a mothod called one and a half round cutting in air,vacuum and N_2 environments. At the same time,the effect of oxidation was taken into account also. Comparing the change of cutting forces and observing the conditions of chips and scratches ,it was found that Fe seems to be more ductile in vacuum than in air and N_2. Finally, the wear of a diamond tool was discussed by measuring the ratio of C atoms remained on scratch surfaces with an EDS.
