Variations in the cutting performance of PVD-coated tools in milling Ti6Al4V, explained through temperature-dependent coating properties

The temperature-dependent coating properties, associated with the performance in milling Ti6Al4V at different cutting speeds, were investigated in the case of a PVD AlTiN coated tool. The cutting tests were complemented by nanoindentations and impact tests at temperatures ranging from ambient to 400 degrees C. The results obtained were linked to the acting phenomena at certain cutting speeds and were accompanied with FEM-supported investigations of the milling process, enabling the determination of the cutting temperatures and stresses. This combination of temperature-dependent properties offered significant insights in explaining the fluctuation of the coated tool life-span, against the very limited but more predictable performance of the same uncoated tool. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.