Novel texture pattern on WC inserts fabricated using reverse-μEDM for enhanced cutting of Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Textured rake and flank surfaces of a cutting tool exhibit promising results in machining performances. This work proposes a novel texture pattern to mitigate the disadvantages of the existing textures. Experiments are performed to check the fabrication feasibility of the proposed pattern on the rake face of Tungsten Carbide (WC) inserts using Reverse-micro Electrical Discharge Machining (R-μEDM) process. In order to investigate the advantage of the proposed pattern, orthogonal machining of Titanium alloy is conducted. A significant reduction of 25.77% is obtained in the measured temperature and 11.1% in the friction coefficient compared to the plain insert.