Performance and analysis of sputtered silicon nitride cutting inserts in CNC machining

Abstract

In this automated world, the role of machine tools such as cutting inserts and drills required for any type of work piece plays an important role in producing precision outputs. As technology improved, the manufacture of Components is mostly automatic in all type of manufacturing industries. The different measurements for a given component are generated with CAD software and then transformed into a finished component with CAM software. CNC machines are used in industries to cut metal components with extreme precision for any hardware goods. Automobile parts, aero parts and polymer consumer components are the most often produced things by these machines. Since these machines have certain specifications, CNC machines frequently use additional tools and parts which includes cutting inserts. So, in this automated environment, these cutting inserts quality has to be ensured for maintaining the precision measurements. A wide known fact is that insert tool failure occurs due to tool wear. When comparing with uncoated Silicon nitride insert, the working life span of coated insert can also be increased. Hence for this reason, DC magnetron technique is proposed to ensure quality and also to increase life of cutting tool by improving its hardness and wear resistance by coating a thin film of tungsten carbide in cutting tool insert. For this reason, the hardest material Tungsten carbide is coated over the Silicon Nitride tool insert. The coated insert has to be tested for its microstructure, surface hardness and grain distribution. Later, bonding efficiency and surface hardness test has to be carried out through Nano indentation and scratch test process.