A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF A SURFACE TREATMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CEMENTED CARBIDE INSERTS

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of wide peening and cleaning (WPC) also known as fine particle peening on the surface properties and cutting performance of cemented carbide inserts. In WPC, the surface of the material is bombarded with millions of high-velocity fine shot generating a uniform layer of plastic deformation near the surface. The plastically deformed layer will have higher compressive residual stress levels, higher surface hardness, experience changes in surface morphology and changes in microstructure. Selecting suitable peening parameters is crucial for achieving proper results. In this study, tools are treated under different pressures varying between 0.2 to 0.4 MPa, and for different peening durations of 2.5 to 10 s. The cutting performance of uncoated tools treated with WPC was examined while turning ductile cast iron and AISI 4140. To have a better understanding, the surface morphology, microstructure, surface roughness, cutting edge radius, residual stresses, and surface hardness were measured and discussed. The results are also compared with untreated tools. The compressive residual stresses were significantly higher after WPC. In addition, uncoated tools treated with WPC resulted in a 12-30% higher tool life over untreated tools. Based on the findings outlined in this thesis, WPC can be recommended as a surface treatment on uncoated cemented carbide inserts for increasing tool life. Also, this study shows significant potential for using WPC as a pre-coating treatment for improving coating adhesion on cemented carbide cutting inserts.