Cutting performance of coated tools with various adhesion strength quantified by inclined impact tests

Coated tools with PVD-films of almost the same mechanical properties may perform differently. This effect can be attributed to the film adhesion. For highlighting this phenomenon, the adhesion of coatings with practically identical mechanical properties deposited on cemented carbide and powder metallurgical high speed steel inserts was quantified by FEM-based evaluations of inclined impact test and nano-indentation results. Moreover, the films’ mechanical properties were assessed by repetitive nano-impacts. Based on these data and on FEM calculations of the cutting process, the coated tools cutting performance was explained in all investigated material and interrupted cutting process cases.