Influence of cutting tool constitutive parameters on residual stresses induced by hard turning

Residual stresses and surface roughness in machined surfaces are two strategic parameters influenced by cutting tools and cutting parameters. These parameters are responsible for the fatigue resistance of highly-stressed steel components, for example, gears and bearing parts. In this paper, the effects of the cutting edge geometry (edge preparation, nose geometry) and of cutting tool materials (c-BN content, coating) on residual stresses induced by hard turning on a case-hardenened 27MnCr5 steel are investigated experimentally in order to point out the sensitivity of these parameters. X-ray diffraction measurements show the interest of cutting inserts with a wiper geometry associated with a hone edge, a TiN coating and a low c-BN content in order to optimise compressive residual stresses in the external layer of a machined surface. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.