Characterisation and performance evaluation of TiSiN &TiAlSiN coatings by RF magnetron sputtering deposition during end milling of maraging steel

Abstract

Monolayer nanostructured thin films of TiSiN & TiAlSiN were deposited on WC-Co milling inserts using RF magnetron sputtering for metal cutting. The alloy targets of TiSi (80/20 at%) & TiAlSi (34/56/10 at%) were used for the deposition in an Ar + N atmosphere. The deposition time and parameters are optimized to develop a uniform and homogenous coating. The mechanical and metallurgical properties are characterized to analyze the wear resistance of the coating. The machinability studies on MDN 250 maraging steel is carried out using TiSiN and TiAlSiN coated WC-Co inserts under dry and wet environment. The machining responses such as surface roughness, cutting force, tool wear and tool life are analyzed by varying spindle speed. The results showed that TiAlSiN coating had a higher wear resistance and machining performance compared to the TiSiN coating owing to the high hardness and plasticity index of the coating.