Performance evaluation of a tungsten carbide–based self-lubricant cutting tool

Abstract

Tungsten carbide cutting tools with and without solid lubricant (WC-10Co-5CaF2 and WC-10Co) were developed in-house via powder metallurgy. The developed cutting tools and a commercial WC-10Co cutting tool were used to machine cylindrical AISI 1020 steel material under dry conditions. The cutting force and average cutting tool temperature were continuously measured. The cutting tool flank surface and chip morphology after specific tool life (5 min of cutting) were examined to understand tool wear. The flank wear of the considered cutting tools was also measured to quantify the cutting tool life. The surface roughness of the workpiece was measured to determine the machining quality. The developed cutting tool with solid lubricant (WC-10Co-5CaF2) generated 20%–40% less cutting force compared to that of the developed cutting tool without solid lubricant (WC-10Co). In addition, the finish of the workpiece surface improved by 16%–20% when it was machined by the solid lubricant cutting tool. The cutting tool with solid lubricant (WC-10Co-5CaF2) exhibited a 15%–18% reduction in flank wear. Curlier and smaller saw tooth chips were generated from the WC-10Co-5CaF2 cutting tool, confirming that less heat was generated during the cutting process, and the finish of the machined surface was also improved.