Experimental study on the cutting temperature of textured carbide tool embedded with graphite

To enhance the anti-friction and anti-wear properties of the WC/TiC/Co carbide, micro-EDM was selected to fabricate textured micro-holes on the carbide surface, and graphite was embedded into the micro-holes to form self-lubricating tools. Dry machining tests on AISI 1045 hardened steel were carried out with the self-lubricating tool and conventional ones. The cutting temperature and tool wear were investigated and compared. The results showed that the self-lubricating tool embedded with graphite exhibited excellent efficiency and stability in reducing cutting temperature, and then the tool wear was reduced compared to that of the conventional one. Through the analysis of test results and cutting temperature distribution theory, the mechanisms responsible are put forward: the first one is the formation of a graphite film on the tool rake face, which is conducive to reducing the temperature of chip and tool caused by tool-chip friction and chip deformation; the other one is attributed to the reduced actual contact length at the tool-chip interface due to the micro-holes, which is propitious to lower the temperature of chip and tool caused by tool-chip friction, supply more graphite, and store chip debris.