Performance of cryogenic treated multi-layer coated WC insert in terms of machinability on titanium alloys Ti-6Al-4V in dry turning

Abstract In the field of advanced engineering applications such as aerospace, nuclear power plant and automobiles, materials with better properties are always preferred. These properties include some special features like Light weight, better strength and high corrosion resistance. Keeping these requirements, so far many developments have been made in engineering materials. Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is one such material which is having these properties like Light weight and high strength. But it also has high hardness, low thermal conductivity and adhesion to cutting tool makes it difficult to machine. For machining Ti-6Al-4V multi-layered tungsten carbide tool is used for industrial application. In this study multi layered PVD coated TiN/AlTiN tungsten carbide inserts were used. These inserts were deep cryogenic treated at −184 °C for a period of 36 h followed by tempering in an electrical furnace to 250 °C for 6 h. Turning of Ti-6Al-4V was performed by using these inserts. This study reveals that the deep treated insert achieves lesser surface roughness and cutting force. These reasons can be credited to the improvement in hardness, wear resistance and low thermal conductivity of treated inserts.