Tribological aspects of tool–chip and tool–work contact in machining and the application of laser spectrometry

Results from the first attempt to use the laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOFMS) in the analysis of tribo-chemical layers associated with metal cutting operations are presented here. It was possible to identify the inclusion products from adhering work material at the tool–chip contact in turning 316L stainless steel with cemented carbide tools. Similarly, laser spectrometry was able to quantify Pb enrichment of the surface layer of brass specimens resulting from turning. Thus, this technique opens new possibilities for the quantitative investigation of tribo-chemical layers associated with friction pairs in general and metal cutting operations in particular.