STUDIES ON THIN FILM COATINGS DEPOSITION USING CATHODIC ARC PROCESS

Abstract

: Recent advances in cutting tool materials and Cathodic Arc PVD surface coatings are making high-speed and
high feed turning an increasingly viable machining operation in commercial manufacturing sectors. In this investigation,
the performance of TiN, TiAlN and TiN+AlCrN coatings were assessed on TNMG160404 Carbide turning inserts used to
machine an AISI 304 Steel. As part of the study, the experimental method was used to cha racterise the performance of
turning inserts by measuring the progression of major flank wear. It showed that a single layer TiN coating failed to
outperform TiAlN and TiN+AlCrN coated inserts when turning AISI 304 steel under aggressive machining conditions. In
the case of TiAlN and TiN+AlCrN coated turning inserts, an improvement in the tribological interaction between the
coatings and the AISI 304 steel workpiece and also increased oxidation resistance resulted in a significant reduction in
material transfer at the cutting edge. The above results are discussed in terms of the major flank wear.