Cutting performance of multilayer diamond coated silicon nitride inserts in machining aluminum–silicon alloy

Abstract

Aluminum–silicon (Al–Si) alloy is very difficult to machine and diamond tools are considered by far the best choice for the machining of these materials. Experimental results in the machining of the Al–Si alloy with diamond coated inserts are presented. Considering the fact that high adhesive strength and fine surface morphology play an importance role in the applications of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond films, multilayer technique combining the hot filament CVD (HFCVD) method is proposed, by which multilayer diamond-coating on silicon nitride inserts is obtained, microcrystalline diamond (MCD)/ nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) film. Also, the conventional monolayer NCD and MCD coated inserts are produced for comparison. The as-deposited diamond films are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Raman spectrum. All the CVD diamond coated inserts and uncoated insert endure the aluminum-silicon alloy turning to estimate their cutting performances. Among all the tested inserts, the MCD/NCD coated insert exhibits the perfect behavior as tool wear due to its very low flank wear and no diamond peeling.