Research on Friction Characteristics of AlCrN and TiAlSiN Coatings and Properties of Coated Tools

AlCrN and TiAlSiN coatings were deposited on the surface of 30CrMnSi steel and cemented carbide YT15 by multi-arc ion plating technique. A scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface morphologies of both coatings. The reciprocating sliding tests of AlCrN and TiAlSiN coating were performed to investigate the friction coefficients and the wear mechanisms of both coatings were analyzed as well. Dry machining tests on 30CrMnSi hardened steel were carried out with the AlCrN and TiAlSiN coated tools on a CA6140A lathe. The effects of cutting speed on cutting forces and cutting temperatures of AlCrN and TiAlSiN coated tools were obtained and analyzed. The microcosmic micrographs of wear areas of both coated tools were observed and investigated by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrum. The results show that the hardness and bonding strength of AlCrN coating are higher than that of TiAlSiN coating, while the friction coefficient of AlCrN coating is lower than that of TiAlSiN coating. Both the cutting force and cutting temperature of AlCrN coated tool are lower than TiAlSiN coated tool. The time required for the bluntness of the AlCrN coated tool is approximately 33.3% longer than that of the TiAlSiN coated tool, and the main wear mechanisms of both tools are mainly crater wear, diffusion wear and oxidation wear.