Surface texturing of cutting inserts for turning of aluminium

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents wet machining of wrought aluminium alloys with textured and non-textured tools. To improve the machining performance, textures were produced on rake face of uncoated cemented carbide by using femtosecond laser machining. Experiments were conducted on a computer numerical controlled lathe with each textured tool and then compared to conventional cutting tool. To evaluate the cutting performance of tested tools, the following criteria were considered: cutting forces evolution, rake face wear, flank face wear and chip formation. A significant decrease of flank wear about 90% is observed with textured tools with nanometric Laser Induced Periodical Surface Structures (LIPSS) and of 80% with double-scale structure (LIPSS + Dimples). Double-scale structured tool presents a lower cutting force in comparison with conventional cutting tool. An increase of shear angle value with tool textured with micrometric structure (Lines) is observed. A lower height of adhesion on rake face of the tool with LIPSS compared to other tested tools is found too. These results constitute another step in the purpose to design a new generation of tools for precision turning of aluminium alloys.