Machining of Custom-450 Grade Stainless Steel Using TiAlSiN-Coated Tungsten Carbide Tool Inserts

Abstract

Turning operations using single-point cutting tools have been one of the earliest and most used methods for cutting metal. It has been widely studied for cutting forces and workpiece surface roughness to affect turning operations. When cutting metal, the cutting tool needs to be tougher than the workpiece so it can resist high temperatures and wear while the operation is conducted. The mechanical qualities of martensitic stainless steel (MSS) grade Custom-450 can be significantly enhanced by heat treatment processes, which also provide it with an outstanding corrosion-resistance material. It has excellent resistance to rusting and pitting in a saltwater environment. Nuclear power reactors, screens for the pulp and paper sector, chemical processing, and power generation are just a few industries that require Custom-450 grade steel. To increase the workpiece’s machinability, dimensional precision, and appealing surface finish, the cutting tool industries have recently demonstrated a great interest in developing hard coatings and cutting tool technology. In the present study, Custom-450 grade stainless steel was used for machining (turning operation), using a tungsten carbide tool insert coated with TiAlSiN using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. The machining parameters such as the speed, feed, and depth of cut (DOC) were varied Surface roughness and various forces (cutting force, thrust force, and feed force) were evaluated by varying these three parameters. The depth of cut is the main factor affecting the surface roughness. More plastic deformation may lead to a rougher surface as a result. The tungsten carbide insert wear decreased with an increase in the cutting speed. An increase in feed considerably accelerates the tool wear of the inserts. As the depth of cut grows, the likelihood of tool wear also increases. The depth of cut, however, has a greater effect on tool wear than anything else. Therefore, the surface roughness in the sample is reduced as the cutting speed is increased.