Machining performance of low temperature treated P-30 tungsten carbide cutting tool inserts

Machining studies were conducted on C45 workpiece using both untreated and low temperature treated tungsten carbide cutting tool inserts. The machinability of the C45 steel workpiece is evaluated in terms of flank wear of the cutting tool inserts, main cutting force and surface finish of the machined workpieces. The flank wear of low temperature treated carbide tools is lower than that of untreated carbide tools on machining of C45 steel. The cutting forces during machining of C45 steel is lower with the low temperature treated carbide tools when compared with the untreated carbide tools. The surface finish produced on machining the C45 steel workpiece is better with the low temperature treated carbide tools when compared with the untreated carbide tools.