Micro-mechanical characterization and wear performance of TiAlN/NbN PVD coated carbide inserts during End milling of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

A multi-layer TiAlN/NbN coated on tungsten carbide insert by physical vapor deposition method (PVD) was selected for studying tool wear performance during end milling of AISI 304 Austenitic stainless steel. Stainless steel AISI 304 belongs to the class of difficult to machine materials, which tends to work harden during machining. The coating has been studied for its micro-mechanical characteristics using SEM/EDS, XRD, 3D confocal microscope & Nano indentation. Characterization results revealed that TiAlN/NbN coatings was well deposited. Dry milling experiments were carried out to evaluate tool life & failure mechanisms of coated tool. It was shown that micro chipping and peeling of coatings were major wear mechanisms observed during dry end milling of AISI 304 using coated inserts. � 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.