Abstract. Using of cutting inserts is currently a normal part of the manufacturing process. The article deals with the tool wear evaluation of selected inserts for turning by electron microscopy. Use of electron microscopy helps closer analysis of machining consequences for these plates, because the microscope images captured with the electron microscope have a greater depth of sharpness and can display the examined object with greater plasticity. It is another way to explore objects and extends the possibilities for obtaining large quantities of information. Electron microscopy is possible to be used for getting better information about toolwear after machining, for example, too. One of the possible usages during the research is in the area of toollife of cutting inserts, which is realized at the Faculty of Production Technology and Management of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. As part of this research various analyzes were also carried out. Part of such research was to analyze the resulting tool wear of the used inserts after turning of selected material also by electron microscopy, specifically the SEM analysis. The SEM analysis can show more and more what in the surveyed area might happen in comparison with conventional microscopy. Images are sharper and more stereoscopic and some aspects are more noticeable. That is why SEM was used as a complementary analysis method throughout this research. As an experimental material hardened steel class 16 343 according to the CSN 41 0002 has been used. The experimental material was turned on the three-axis CNC lathe DOOSAN Lynx 220L with the control system FANUC.Keywords: tool wear, electron microscopy, tool life.
IntroductionAt the Faculty of Production Technology and Management, which is part of the Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem several research projects are carried out. One of them is research in the area of tool life of cutting inserts, because using of cutting inserts is currently a common part of the manufacturing process and it is very interesting for production companies. As part of this research various analyzes were also carried out. One of these was analysis of tool life of experimental inserts by the SEM analysis, which is available at FPTM JEPU [1][2][3].The SEM analysis was used to supplement the final examination of the insert tool wear after machining.The abbreviation SEM means a scanning electron microscope. This microscope is working with a narrow electron beam. To formation of images primary and secondary electrons are used backscattered from the sample surface. These electrons are formed by the interaction of atoms of the sample with electrons of the electron beam. The detector receives and processes the electrons so as to obtain a sharp image of the sample surface. Rather than a traditional optical microscope its advantage is a large depth of focus and the ability to get more magnification [4][5][6].The SEM analysis can show more and more what in the surveyed area might happen, in comparison with convent...