Performance parameters studies in machining of AISI D2 steel with dot-textured, groove-textured & non-textured cutting tool at the flank face

Abstract

Surface texturing is a method where there is a change in tribological properties due to change in surface characteristics. The present work is a comparison of the performance of dot-textured coated carbide tool with groove-textured and non-textured coated carbide tool in machining AISI D2 steel. Micro dot textures are made on the flank face using micro-electric discharge machining. Considering full factorial design, total 8 experiments are performed with cutting speed, feed and depth of cut as process parameters. For each parameter, two levels are considered. Flank wear and surface roughness are investigated to compare the function of dot-textured coated carbide tool with the groove-textured and non-textured coated carbide tool. In every condition, flank wear is less in machining with both types of textured tool in comparison to the non-textured coated carbide tool. In most of the cases, surface roughness is less for both types of textured tool than the non-textured tool. Comparing dot-textured tool over groove-textured tool, it is observed that dot-textured tool is better than the groove-textured tool in reducing flank wear and surface roughness. Analysis of white layer and micro hardness at the machined surfaces revealed that dot-texturing helps in minimizing the thickness of white layer and micro-hardness property in comparison to groove-textured and non-textured tool. Thus, dot texturing is found to be better in improving machinability than groove-textured and non-textured tool.