Hard turning of bearing steel AISI 52100 with carbide tool and high pressure coolant supply

Abstract

The machining of hard-to-machine bearing steel AISI 52100 (100Cr6), hardened to 62 HRc, is almost impossible using standard machining conditions and carbide cutting tools. The purpose of this research is machinability analysis and conclusions about the conditions that allow the machining of mentioned steel with carbide tools. In this paper, the turning process is carried out using coated carbide inserts and high pressure jet assisted machining, as a special technique of cooling and lubrication. In this technique, coolant circulation system with filters, environmentally acceptable, is used. A jet of cooling and lubrication fluid under extremely high pressure (50 MPa) is directed into the zone between the cutting tool edge and the workpiece. Experimental measurements were performed for different cutting parameters. Cutting forces, tool wear, surface roughness, chip shapes, and material removal rates were analyzed. The presented results show an increase in productivity, low intensity tool wear, and surface roughness in acceptable limits.