Wear morphology of microwave post-treated WC-Co tool during machining of Inconel 718 superalloy

Abstract

The study aims at reducing consumption of cutting fluid without affecting dry machining performance through application of microwave post-treated WC-Co insert. Microwave heating is an emerging route to volumetrically heat microwave absorbent materials (like tungsten carbide) at economical cost with less time as well energy. In the present study, performance of microwave treated (at 2.45 GHz frequency) carbide insert is studied while machining of Inconel 718 superalloys. Different modes of tool wear are investigated along with progression depth of flank wear. Experimental results are compared to that of untreated/ conventional insert. EDS analysis is carried out at different locations of worn-out WC-Co insert to analyze morphology of tool wear. Additionally, beneficial effects of microwave post-treatment of WC-Co insert are explained in terms of microhardness, wear resistance, and microstructural alteration. Finally, improved properties of microwave-treated WC-Co insert is correlated with machinability of Inconel 718.