Tribological characterisation of PVD coatings for cutting tools

This work compares different coatings deposited on HSS and carbide drills using two different approaches. Tool life is measured during cutting tests when machining a grey cast iron. The parameter used to measure tool life is the number of holes per thickness of the coating. The results are then compared with the wear resistance coefficient of the coating, obtained after a micro-scale abrasive test. Four types of PVD coatings deposited on HSS and tungsten carbide drills are used. The results have shown a good correlation between tool life and wear coefficients for all combinations of cutting tool and coating, mainly for cemented carbide drills.