A note on the comparison of microstructure and coating characteristics of hardmetal inserts

A comparison and characteristics of matrix and coating structure observed in the hardmetal inserts used for cutting tools have been studied using optical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fine-probe energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The corresponding variation of the elements observed in the single- and multi-layered coating was examined using linescan microanalysis. This work highlights the role of coating characteristics that are crucial in optimising the process parameters of hardmetal indexable inserts. The microstructural results of coating indicate better performance of multi-layered coated insert specimens as compared to single-layered coated specimens.