Relationship between an affinity of (Ti1−x, Alx)N layer toward iron and its cutting performance

The relationship between the affinity of (Ti1−x, Alx)N layer toward iron and its cutting performance was investigated. (Ti1−x, Alx)N films with various aluminum contents have been deposited on cemented carbide substrates by the cathodic arc ion plating method, and iron films have been further deposited on them by the same method. The affinity of (Ti1−x, Alx)N layers toward iron was determined using above samples after they were annealed in a vacuum furnace. The status of interfaces between iron layers and (Ti1−x, Alx)N layers were analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The affinity of (Ti1−x, Alx)N layer toward iron increase with increasing Al content in the coating layer. Cutting performances of (Ti1−x, Alx)N coated cemented carbides have been evaluated by steel turning and milling. The progress in the rake face wear in steel turning increased with increasing Al content in the coating layer. The affinity of (Ti1−x, Alx)N layer toward iron is considered to influence rake face wear in steel turning.