Surface treatment of cutting tool substrates

Today's research activities are concentrated on improving the properties of cutting tools by optimizing manufacturing technologies, by alloying of special cutting materials and by coating of tools. As a result of the poor machinability of new cutting materials, grinding processes get more difficult, Especially in grinding of new WC-carbide and cermet compositions, high mechanical and thermal loads influence the surface topography and surface integrity of the tool. In particular, the coating adhesion depends on the surface structure of the substrate. Variations of subsurface properties cause distinct differences to inferface strength and tool life. Influences of surface properties on film adhesion of PVD-coated carbides were investigated. Considered topics are the influence of grinding, micro blasting and water peening of carbides on surface topography and surface integrity as well as effects on film adhesion of (Ti,Al)N-coatings. Residual stress measurements and SEM-pictures were used for characterization of surface properties. Film adhesion was analysed by scratch and indentation tests. Due to increasing interface strength of micro blasted tools a superior wear behaviour in dry machining was observed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.