Machining performance of protruded textured high-speed steel cutting tool under dry turning operation

Abstract

AISI 316 L stainless steel is one of the difficult material to machine by traditional machining process due to its low thermal conductivity and high ductility properties which can cause high tool wear and high cutting forces. This can be addressed while using cutting fluid, however, cutting fluid causes severe environmental pollution while disposal. In recent studies, the usage of surface textures on cutting tools exhibited an improved machining performance without cutting fluids. The present work made an attempt to fabricate positive (protruded) surface textures on HSS cutting tool rake face and study its effect on the machining performance of AISI 316L stainless steel under dry machining. The surface textures are fabricated using the reverse-electro discharge machining process. In the present work, the effect of texture parameters such as texture density, texture height and diameter on the machining performance parameters like cutting forces, flank wear and machined surface quality of the machined workpiece are studied. The results indicated that a positive (protruded) surface textured cutting tool exhibits better machining performance as compared to the un-textured cutting tool. In addition, among the texture parameters, texture height has a significant effect on machining performance. Moreover, textured tool with a combination of 150 µm texture diameter, 5% texture density and 300 µm texture height shown better machining performance. It has also been observed that tool life is improved up to 110% as compared to un-textured tool.