Cutting performance of a functionally graded cemented carbide tool prepared by microwave heating and nitriding sintering

The cutting force, the friction coefficient of the rake face, and the flank wear of functional gradient cemented carbide (FGCC) cutting tools prepared by microwave heating and nitriding sintering were tested by turning test and compared with those of a conventional cemented carbide cutting tool. The results show that the cutting force, the friction coefficient of the rake face, and the wear of the GFCC cutting tool are lower than those of the conventional cutting tool with the same composition. Additionally, the effects of cutting speed on cutting force and tool wear were studied. Furthermore, the failure mechanism in the cutting process, the heat distribution of the second derformation zone and the resistant to the generation and extend of tool surface micro-cracks were analyzed. The friction and wear mechanism of the FGCC tool was found to be affected by the gradient distribution of the tool surface composition.