The effect of substrate pretreatments and HPPMS-deposited adhesive interlayers’ materials on the cutting performance of coated cemented carbide inserts

High power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS), substrate pretreatments and adhesive interlayers can enhance tool life significantly. In the conducted research, TiAlN PVD-films and W-, Ti- or Cr-adhesive nanointerlayers were deposited by HPPMS on different superficially treated hardmetal inserts. The mechanical properties of the coatings were determined via nanoindentations and mathematical analysis. Additionally, inclined impact tests and milling investigations were performed to examine the substrate pretreatment and interlayer effects on film adhesion and wear behaviour. The results reveal that HPPMS jointly with an appropriate substrate pretreatment and a Cr-nanointerlayer lead to significant adhesion and cutting performance improvement.