Development and Optimization of Multi Point Cutting Tool from Recycled Steel using Agrowaste as Case Hardening

Abstract

This research created a cutting tool made of recycled steel, palm kernel shell and alloy additives. Scrapped crankshaft and rod (100 kg) containing 0.5607% carbon were charged into an electric induction furnace with a maximum temperature of 3000℃ for melting. Before and after melting, the chemical composition of the charged components was determined using a UV-VIS spectrometer. Alloy additives were added in order to meet the carbon and other elements content of high Speed Steel materials. Samples were pulverized with carbon and heat treated. The performance of developed tool was evaluated using wear rate, toughness and micro structural analysis respectively. High proportion of carbide and strengthened martensite were obtained from the microstructure. The tool’s surface hardness and micro-hardness were 76.8 and 47.9 HB, respectively, while that of the control sample’s were 76.3 and 46.1 HB. Minimum wear rate and toughness of the 1ool were 1095x10-8m2/N and 15.01 J, while those of the control sample were 1.127x10-8 Cm2/N and 17 J respectively.