Characterization and application of titanium carbonitride based cutting tools

Cutting tools obtained from nearly full dense Ti(C,N)-based materials, with low percentage of metal binder, were tested in turning and milling operations. Microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated and related to starting composition and processing conditions. Wear mechanisms were studied and compared to the one of some commercial tools, in order to better understand key aspects due to thermal wear mechanisms (mainly diffusion and oxidation) and mechanical wear mechanisms, which together contributed for the material degradation. In particular the amount and stoichiometry of TiCN hard phase influence the oxidation behaviour and the thermal conductivity, while the low percentage of metal binder allows the achievements of high densities. Under the adopted cutting conditions, machining carbon steel and quench and tempered steel, new Ti(C,N)- based tools show improved performances compared to the commercial ones tested.