The Effect of HSS and Carbide Tools on the Mechanism of Chip Formation During Turning of Medium Carbon Steel (AISI1030)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to know the influence of tool type on the mechanism of chip formation during the turning of medium carbon (0.26%C, 0.96%Mn) steel having hardness 168BHN. High-speed steel tool (HSS) and carbide tools were used for the machining work on the lathe. Mode of chip formation occurred in an unfavorable manner, while machining with HSS tools at low and medium speeds. However, higher speed machining caused some improvement in the mode of chip formation process during machining with HSS tool. Machining with a carbide tool resulted significant improvement in the chip formation process at high speeds. Machining with a carbide tool showed better mode of chip formation at all speeds with reference to the mode of chip formation with HSS tool at different speeds. Chip formation mode is strongly affected during machining with HSS tool mainly at lower cutting speeds due to tool wear by chipping/fracturing at the cutting edge. Better understanding on to the mechanism of chip formation ensures proper selection of tool, work material and parametric conditions.