High-speed steel tool wear during wood cutting in the presence of high-temperature corrosion and mineral contamination

Dulling of high-speed steel (HSS) cutting tools after milling five wood species has been analyzed. The wood investigated varied in mineral contamination, high-temperature corrosivity (HTC) and density (D). Experiments performed proved that up to date methods for evaluation of mineral contamination in wood should be improved. A new pipe-like form of mineral contamination particles was evidenced. The correlation between the presence of 3D aggregates of silica in wood and high content of K and Ca in the ash was established. Employing multivariable theoretical simulation method, the combined effect of mineral contamination, HTC and wood density on the tool dullness appeared to be a reasonable explanation of the results obtained.