Finite element simulation and experimental analysis of B₄C‐TiB₂‐SiC ceramic cutting tools

Abstract

Here, cutting properties and wear mechanism of the home‐made B4C‐TiB2‐SiC ceramic cutting tools in turning of AISI 4340 steel workpieces were studied through a combination of finite element simulation using Deform‐3D software and turning experiments. Simulation results show that cutting parameters have significant effects on the main cutting force and tool temperature of the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC cutting tool. The optimal cutting parameters for the ceramic cutting tool are cutting speed of 300 m/min, depth of cut of .3 mm, and feed rate of .1 mm/r. Experimental results show the cutting length of the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC cutting tool is about 101 m, which is 21.0% and 32.9% larger than that of the home‐made B4C‐TiB2 ceramic cutting tool and commercially available tungsten carbide tool, indicating that the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC cutting tool has a desired service life. The surface roughness of the workpieces processed by the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC cutting tool is 2.43 µm, which is 29.4% lower than that of the workpieces processed by the B4C‐TiB2 cutting tool, indicating that the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC cutting tool has a satisfying machining accuracy. Wear forms of the B4C‐TiB2‐SiC ceramic cutting tool involve craters, chipping, and flank wear, and the main wear mechanisms are abrasive, adhesive, oxidative, and diffusion wear.