Wear mechanisms of several cutting tool materials in hard turning of high carbon–chromium tool steel

The present study illustrates the performance of three different cutting tool materials, namely: PCBN, TiN coated PCBN, and mixed aluminum ceramic (Al2O3+TiC) in the turning of medium hardened D2 tool steel (52 HRC). Formation of Cr–O tribofilms on the ceramic tool surface as a result of interaction with the workpiece material and environment (identified by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) leads to improvement of lubricating properties at the tool/chip interface. Obtained results revealed that the mixed alumina ceramic tool can outperform both types of PCBN under different machinability criteria.