Wear mechanism of ceramic tools

Abstract Cutting tests were performed using ceramic cutting tools under continuous cutting conditions. The tests were carried out on AISI 1040 steel, with cutting speeds ranging from 5 to 11 m s −1 . The wear mechanism was investigated for both crater and flank. Alumina-toughened zirconia of submicron grain size showed the best wear resistance. Alumina with TiC, TiN and ZrO 2 inclusions exhibited a wear resistance a little lower than the above-mentioned materials. Low chemical stability seems to be the reason for the poor performances of the silicon carbide whiskers-reinforced alumina, silicon nitride and the tungsten carbide inserts.