High Speed Machining of Difficult-to-Machine Materials under Different Lubrication Conditions

Abstract

This paper describes the applicability of air jet assisted (AJA) machining to stainless steel and titanium alloy at high cutting speeds in terms of tool wear and tool life. A specially designed tool holder with an air nozzle very close to the tool tip was prepared for turning stainless steel. From the experimental results, it was found that the application of flood coolant from the side of the end flank face leads to better result in tool life in AJA machining of stainless steel than that from the side of the side flank face. The assistance of air jet can improve the tool life of the M35 CVD coated insert in machining of the stainless steel by 36 to 100% under the optimal conditions in comparison with wet machining. It was also found that the air jet assistance extended the tool life of the S10 PVD coated insert by 48% in turning titanium alloy. The tool life extension of the coated insert in AJA machining titanium alloy is much longer than that of an uncoated carbide insert.