Investigation of the Impact of Orthogonal Cutting Processes on Nanocrystalline Surface Layer Generation

Abstract

The present work analyzes the influence of an orthogonal machining process on the generation of nanocrystalline surface layers. Thereby, AISI 4140 is used as work piece material. Metallic parts with a severe nanocrystalline grain refinement in the near-surface area show many beneficial properties. Such surface layers considerably influence the friction and wear characteristics of the work piece in a subsequent usage as design elements working under tribological loads. The focus of this paper is an experimental analysis of a finishing orthogonal cutting operation, carried out with a broaching machine, to generate nanocrystalline surface layers. The influence of process and geometry parameters on the generation of nanocrystalline surfaces is investigated with the aim to massively decrease the grain size in the work piece surface layer. Parameters that are studied and taken into account in the manufacturing process are cutting edge radius rβ, depth of cut h and cutting velocity vc. The cutting edge radius rβ is modified by a drag finishing process. The generation of nanocrystalline surface layers is especially influenced by the design of the uncoated carbide cutting tools. Additionally, cutting force Fc and passive force Fp are determined by a 3-component dynamometer to calculate the relationship between specific cutting force kc and specific passive force kp. The temperature beneath the clearance face is detected by a fiber optic pyrometer. These measurement methods and devices are applied to detect the impact of the most relevant measurement values occurring during machining and causing a drastic reduction of grain size in the surface layer. The evaluation of the manufacturing process is carried out by detailed analyses of the microstructural conditions in the surface layer after processing using a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) system. These material characterizations provide information about the surface engineering concerning the microstructural changes in the surface layer of the work piece due to finishing orthogonal cutting processes.