Performance evaluations of Ti-based PVD coatings deposited on cermet tools for high-speed dry finish turning of AISI 304 stainless steel

The aim of this research work is to develop and compare in-house Ti-based coatings with commercial coatings for cermet tools, specifically for the high-speed dry turning of Austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304). In the present study, commercial Ti-based coated cermet tools from different manufacturers are used to evaluate and compare the performance of commercial coatings. This research focuses on the investigation of the performance for the various commercial coatings on cermet tools based on the mico-mechanical properties, tool performance and surface roughness. The results are used to develop a range of in-house Ti-based PVD coatings with different compositions and compare their performance with similar commercial coatings. Coating surface topography and structure were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The compositions of coating materials and tribo films were determined using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of this research demonstrate that the compositions of various coatings affect the micro-mechanical properties and significantly influence the tool life and wear morphology. The performance of in-house Ti-based coatings with a similar composition to commercial coatings were better than the latter, depending upon their micro-mechanical properties.