PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TiAlSiN COATED AND CRYOGENICALLY TREATED END MILLING TOOL

Abstract

The research focuses on the machining performance of a Titanium Aluminum Silicon Nitride (TiAlSiN) coated tungsten carbide tool during end milling of maraging steel C300. End milling experiments are performed at various spindle speeds using uncoated tool, coated tool, shallow treated coated tool and deep treated coated tool to determine surface roughness and characterize cryogenic treated and untreated tools. The tool's Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image can be used to determine the variation in surface characteristics. The Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis can be used to get the composition of the coating. Using a 4 flute 6mm end milling tool in a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine, a slot with a depth of 0.2mm is cut into the plate at a feed rate of 320mm/min. The process is carried out at varying speeds of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000rpm. It has been observed that with an increase in rpm, the surface roughness decreases in all cases. Better surface finish is observed in Shallow Cryogenic Treatment (SCT6) tool followed by Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT24), untreated coated tool and untreated uncoated tool. Variation in microhardness was measured using Vickers hardness testing machine. Mass loss rate from the tool wear for three conditions has been determined. SCT shows a reduction in mass loss rate and an increase in microhardness compared to untreated and DCT.