Characterisation and application of titanium carbonitride-based cutting tools

Cutting tools obtained from nearly full dense Ti(C, N)-based materials, with limited 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 those 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 both contributed to the material degradation. In particular amount and stoichiometry of the Ti(C, N) hard phase influence the oxidation behaviour and the thermal conductivity, while the low content of metal binder allows the achievement of high relative final density. Compared to commercial competitors, under the adopted cutting conditions the newly Ti(C, N)-based tools showed improved performance in machining carbon steel, and quench and tempered steel.