Modeling flank wear of carbide tool insert in metal cutting

In this paper theoretical and experimental studies are carried out to investigate the intrinsic relationship between tool flank wear and operational conditions in metal cutting processes using carbide cutting inserts. A new flank wear rate model, which combines cutting mechanics simulation and an empirical model, is developed to predict tool flank wear land width. A set of tool wear cutting tests using hard metal coated carbide cutting inserts are performed under different operational conditions. The wear of the cutting inset is evaluated and recorded using Zygo New View 5000 microscope. The results of the experimental studies indicate that cutting speed has a more dramatic effect on tool life than feed rate. The wear constants in the proposed wear rate model are determined based on the machining data and simulation results. A good agreements between the predicted and measured tool flank wear land width show that the developed tool wear model can accurately predict tool flank wear to some extent.