Characteristics of the self-organisation in high-speed turning of high-strength alloy steel

Tool life and wear mechanism of the multi-layer coating tools are studied by high-speed turning of high-strength alloy steel 300M. Micro-morphology and element distribution of the tool worn surface are observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The emphasis is on the self-organisation characteristics of the microcosmic surface of worn tools. The results show that adhesive layer and oxygen-containing film are the characteristics of self-organisation structures of the coating tools. The CVD-TiCN-Al2O3 coating is suitable for high-speed turning of 300M. The wear mechanisms of the coated tool include adhesion, abrasion, diffusion, oxidation, coating flaking and chipping. The adhesive wear is found at various cutting stages. And the formation of self-organisation structures is determined by the diffusion and oxidation. The coated tool of creating self-organisation structures exhibits the higher wear resistance, especially intensive tribological compatibility which can extend the stable wear stage. © Copyright 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.