Machining of Difficult-to-Cut Materials with a Lubricant Coated Tool

Abstract

Tools coated with TiBON films of varying boron concentrations were made, and the influence of boron concentration on tool wear was investigated. The TiBON coating film acts as a lubricant at high temperature. Tools coated with such films were applied to the machining of difficult-to-cut materials (Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718), where the cutting temperature increases rapidly and heavy adhesion occurs. In the experiment, turning and interrupted cutting were performed. In cutting of Ti-6Al-4V, the tool coated with a film of high boron concentration showed long tool life. In turning of Inconel 718, the tool coated with a film of a boron concentration of 15% showed the longest tool life-about four times longer than that of a tool coated with TiAlN.