Quantification of properties modification and cutting performance of (Ti1-xAlx)N coatings at elevated temperatures

Thin, hard, titanium- and aluminium-derived nitride coatings are usually operated at elevated temperatures. Typical examples are coated tools, applied in manufacturing especially at high cutting speeds. The operation of coatings in high-temperature environments may modify their composition and their structure, and may negatively affect, among others, their bulk mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, hardness, fatigue strength, etc. This paper presents a quantitative study of such phenomena, based on experimental data, derived by the application of the indentation and impact tests, as well as cutting experiments with as-deposited and artificially oxidized coatings. To carry out these tasks, special experimental test rigs have been developed and SEM and EDX investigations have been conducted. Moreover, FEM models were established to support the evaluation of the experimental investigations. By means of the aforementioned procedures, a comprehensive study of the influence of hard metal (HM) insert coating specifications on the deterioration of their cutting performance was incorporated. Thereby, the effects of the film properties, of their oxidation mechanisms as well as of the mechanical stresses occurring during the cutting processes on the entire film wear behaviour in milling operations were investigated.