Cutting performance using high reliable device of Ti–Si–N-coated cutting tool for high-speed interrupted machining

To satisfy the demand of higher cutting performance, properties of newly deposited (Ti,Si)N coating and carbide materials are investigated. Ti–Si–N coatings with various Si contents using hybrid coating technique were prepared and X-ray diffraction patterns, micro-hardness and AFM images were characterized. The coating layer showed the maximum hardness of 45 GPa with a load of 25 g at the Si content of 7 at.%. With increasing the Si content, the TiN crystallites reduced in size and are almost randomly distributed in the amorphous silicon nitride phase. Compared to conventional carbides (K20), micro-grain carbides (K30) were used for high-speed machining. An integrated evaluation system of cutting tools for high-speed milling was newly designed. The cutting performance of end-mills was evaluated by milling of high hardened material (hardness > 60 HRC) using TiN and Ti–Si (7 at.%)–N-coated end-mills with micro-grain carbide. Consequently, The Ti–Si (7 at.%)–N coated end-mill made from HSC material (WC–Co, K30) showed good cutting performance under high-speed cutting condition.