Performance of PVD and CVD coated cutting tool inserts in machining under MQL-MQSL environment

Abstract

The current study evaluated the performance of coated tools during machining and addressed the applicability of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and minimum quantity solid lubrication (MQSL). Experimental investigations have been done to evaluate the machinability aspects such as flank wear and hence tool life, forms of tool wear and surface roughness in turning of AISI 52100 steel using dry, MQL and MQSL machining with physical vapour deposition (PVD) multilayer (TiAlN/TiN) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) bilayer (TiCN/Al2O3) coated carbide inserts. Longer tool life is observed under MQL and MQSL cutting conditions, which can be due to enhanced lubrication and cooling effect. It can be seen that PVD coated carbide tool with MQL and MQSL performed effectively as compared to CVD tools for selected cutting environments. Based on the findings, the presented approach provides a more clear methodology to select the combination of the cutting tool and lubrication strategy.