Processing of 17-4 PH steel in turning operation with hybrid textured tools

Abstract

ABSTRACT Surface modification on the cutting tools (textured tools) emerged as an efficient machining technique that engages high productivity and avoids the cost associated with coolants. However, textured tools performance is significantly influenced by the type of texture design and geometry of the texture. Moreover, more research is available only on the performance of single pattern textured pattern tools. In this context, the novel hybrid textured tools were fabricated in the present research and investigated its cutting mechanism in turning of 17–4 precipitated hardened stainless steel (PH SS) materials under dry and conventional method (flood) cooling conditions respectively. Results of the current study indicate that hybrid textured tools under conventional cooling significantly minimized the cutting zone temperature (T), tool wear and surface roughness (Ra) to a maximum of 43%, 42% and 45%, respectively, over the dry cutting conditions. Further, tool wear analysis revealed that adhesion wear mechanism was observed in hybrid textured tools under both dry and wet cooling conditions, respectively. Furthermore, favorable chips were observed in hybrid tools under conventional cooling conditions that resulted in low cutting temperatures. As a whole, microgrooves act as lubrication storage sites.