Investigation of AlCrN-coated inserts on cryogenic turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

Over the past decade, the focus of the metal cutting industry has been on the improvement of tool life for achieving higher productivity and better finish. Researchers are attempting to reduce tool failure in several ways such as modified coating characteristics of a cutting tool, conventional coolant, cryogenic coolant, and cryogenic treated insert. In this study, a single layer coating was made on cutting carbide inserts with newly determined thickness. Coating thickness, presence of coating materials, and coated insert hardness were observed. This investigation also dealt with the effect of machining parameters on the cutting force, surface finish, and tool wear when turning Ti-6Al-4V alloy without coating and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)-AlCrN coated carbide cutting inserts under cryogenic conditions. The experimental results showed that AlCrN-based coated tools with cryogenic conditions developed reduced tool wear and surface roughness on the machined surface, and cutting force reductions were observed when a comparison was made with the uncoated carbide insert. The best optimal parameters of a cutting speed (Vc) of 215 m/min, feed rate (f) of 0.102 mm/rev, and depth of cut (doc) of 0.5 mm are recommended for turning titanium alloy using the multi-response TOPSIS technique.