Performance of Multilayer Coated and Cryo-Treated Uncoated Tools in Machining of AISI H13 Tool Steel—Part 1: Tungsten Carbide End Mills

Abstract

This paper focused on the performance of tungsten carbide end mills in machining of AISI H13 hot work tool steel under dry and wet conditions. The tool performance was evaluated in terms of resultant cutting force (Fc), average surface roughness (Ra) and tool life. In the milling tests, four categories of end mills were used: untreated (U), cryo-treated (CT), cryo-treated and tempered uncoated (CTT) and TiAlN/TiN multilayer coated (MLC). The tests were performed at four cutting speeds (80, 100, 120, 140 m/min), three feeds (0.08, 0.12, 0.16 mm/rev) and a depth of cut (2 mm). The test results showed that the lowest values of Fc and Ra were obtained with the use of MLC end mills. However, the cryogenic treatment was also effective on decreasing Fc and Ra. In addition, while the CTT end mills provided a slight improvement in tool life under dry conditions, they showed a remarkable improvement of 126.1% in comparison with the untreated ones under wet conditions. Although the CTT end mills exhibited a superior performance to U and CT ones, the MLC end mills were much more resistant to abrasive wear. This study is organized into two parts (WC-Co and HSS) to observe the effects of deep cryogenic treatment on performance of two different tool materials and to compare cryo-treated end mills with multilayer coated ones. This part is related to the cryogenic treatment of tungsten carbide end mills, whereas part two is regarding cryo-treated HSS end mills.