Evaluation of an intermittent sliding test for reproducing work material transfer in milling operations

TiN coated HSS test cylinders from an intermittent sliding test were compared with TiN coated HSS milling inserts from a single insert milling test. A 20NiCrMo2 case hardening steel was used as counter material and work material in the two tests. HSS test cylinders, coated with AlCrN, TiAlN and Al2O3, were also tested in the intermittent sliding test and evaluated with regard to material adhesion. Two distinctly different tribofilms were formed on test cylinders as well as on cutting inserts. One consisting of Mn, Si, Al and O and one consisting of Fe, Mn, Cr, Si and O. The transferred material was similar in appearance and composition, both when comparing the two test methods and when comparing the different tool coatings.