Influence of Texture Patterns and Cryogenic Coolant During Machining of Precipitation-Hardened SS

Friction and adhesion at the tool-chip interface can lead to significant challenges during machining operations. These issues contribute to the reduced lifespan of the tool and diminish the overall quality of the surface. One potential approach to improve the tribological properties and reduce tool-chip adhesion is by implementing surface texturing on the tools and applying coolant at the tool-chip interface. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the efficiency of textured carbide tools in the process of turning PH 13-8 Mo SS alloy. The investigation will be conducted under two different conditions: dry cutting and cutting with cryogenic coolant (liquid nitrogen). The utilization of ND: YAG Laser was employed to produce hexagonal and sinewave patterns on the rake surface of tungsten carbide tools. The cutting performance of textured tools is evaluated by comparing it to that of plain carbide tools in terms of cutting forces and tool wear. To enhance our understanding of the surface characteristics of tool wear, we conducted SEM and EDS examinations. Based on the results, it was observed that the texture of the tool decreased the tendency of chips to stick to the rake face when compared to the traditional tool. As a result, there is a decrease in cutting forces by approximately 15%. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the machining process is significantly influenced by the use of liquid nitrogen as the coolant in the machining area.