High-speed Machining of Inconel 718 with Ceramic Tools

Summary High speed machining for Inconel 718 was carried out with SiC whisker reinforced alumina, silicon nitride and TiC added alumina ceramic tools. In this test, not only the commercial available inserts, square type 120408 or button type 120400, but also specially designed cutting edges were tried. The SiC whisker tool showed the best performance in respect of notch wear at the cutting speed of under 300m/min. However, when the speed exceed -400m/min., the TiC added alumina ceramic tool showed the smallest wear compare to other tools. Specially designed cutting edge made the notch wear small.