Effect of Boron Nitride Coating on Wear Behavior of Carbide Cutting Tools in Milling of Inconel 718

Abstract

Boron nitride based tribological coatings promise hope in tribological applications thanks to their excellent lubrication and heat resistance properties. However, the applicability of these coatings on cutting tools in machining applications is not well known and it needs to be revealed. Therefore, in this study, a boron nitride (BN) coating was deposited on carbide milling tools. Inconel 718 was used as workpiece material in face milling tests to determine the wear behavior of the BN coated carbide tools. Surface roughness and tool wear was recorded in relation with cutting length. Wear mechanisms on the coated carbide tools were determined using scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Abrasive and adhesive wear was found as main failure mechanisms on the worn tools. Approximately two times longer tool life was obtained with the BN coated carbide tools.