This paper presents a study of the influence of cutting parameters (cutting velocity and feed rate) and cutting time on drilling metal–matrix composites. A plan of experiments, based on the techniques of Taguchi, was performed on controlled machining with

The generation of a crater wear is affected by many factors such as characteristics of work and tool materials, cutting conditions and lubrication at a tool–chip contact area. The purpose of this research is to clarify the effect of Fe-diffused layer on a crater wear of a carbide cutting tool. The main conclusions of the research are as follows: (1) Chemical compounds such as C6Fe2O12, Fe3C and Fe–Si–C were detected from the surface of Fe-diffused cutting tool with an X-ray diffractometer. (2) The crater wear was suppressed extremely by diffusing Fe into the sub-surface of a carbide cutting tool. In the case of carbide P10, about 3–4 times longer tool life could be obtained by diffusing Fe to the surface of a cutting tool. In addition to this phenomenon, it was found that there existed an optimal depth of mutual diffusion from the view point of a tool life. (3) A crater wear suppression mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results.