Research on Tribological Characteristics of Hard Metal WC-Co Tools with TiAlN and CrN PVD Coatings for Processing Solid Oak Wood

Abstract

The article presents research results that demonstrate the impacts of mechanical and tribological characteristics on the efficiency of cutting tools made from hard metal WC-Co. Uncoated tools and tools coated with physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings (CrN and TiAlN) were tested. The thickness of coatings was determined, and tests of roughness, microhardness, and adhesion were performed. The coefficient of friction (COF) was established by different methods, and the wear of the tested cutters which occurs during the milling of solid oak wood, and the impact of this on surface roughness, were determined. The results revealed that uncoated WC-Co cutters are the least resistant to wear, while cutters coated with chromium nitride (CrN) are the most resistant. Both PVD coatings were damaged in the 9050 m in area of the cutting edge.