Significance of grinding burn on high speed steel tool performance

Despite rapid developments in cutting tool material, traditional HSS still finds applications such as broaching, intermittent cutting, thread cutting and even finish turning of ductile materials using moderate spindle speeds. Performance of HSS tool largely depends on structure–property relationship. Traditionally, HSS tools are finish ground; however, very little attention is paid to grinding aspects in grinding of HSS especially, metallurgical specifications. During grinding, HSS experiences thermal related defects such as grinding burn; which results in phase transformation of the material over specific depth. The severity of grinding burn is largely depending on the grinding condition. Beneficial effects on performance of HSS tools can be obtained, if degree of burn is contended. This is illustrated in the case study on turning of commercial pure aluminium.