Improving Coating Mechanical Properties and Cutting Performance of Carbide Tools Through Combined Technology of Micro-textures and AlCrN Coatings.

In this study, we investigated the combined effects of AlCrN coatings and micro-textures on enhancing the mechanical properties of coatings and the cutting performance of cemented carbide tools, which is critical for improving dry cutting applications. To achieve this, micro-textures were fabricated on the rake face of WC/Co-based cemented carbide tools, and AlCrN coatings were deposited on the surfaces of textured samples using vacuum cathode arc ion plating technology. The effects of micro-texture size and arrangement parameters on the mechanical properties of the AlCrN coating were analyzed, leading to the optimization and definition of the optimal range for these texture parameters on tool. Dry cutting experiments were conducted on TC4 titanium alloy using the micro-textured tools coated with AlCrN. The results indicated that, compared to coatings on non-textured substrates, the mechanical properties of coatings on textured substrates are improved. Proper texturing parameters can enhance the anti-adhesion properties in the tool/workpiece contact area. Tools coated with AlCrN micro-textures demonstrate significantly enhanced performance in dry cutting of TC4 titanium alloy. Relative to traditional non-textured coated tools, there is a slight reduction in cutting force, but both surface roughness and tool wear are significantly decreased. These research results provide theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of textured coatings on tool surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]