Machinability of modified Inconel 713C using a WC TiAlN-coated tool

Abstract This paper investigates the machinability of Inconel 713C materials. Inconel 713C is difficult to cut and causes severe tool wear with built-up edge (BUE) formation and catastrophic fracture. The modified Inconel 713C materials are named as T1- and T2-grade alloys. T1- and T2-grade alloys were manufactured to increase the machinability by modifying the base Inconel 713C. The Inconel 713C, T1- and T2-grade alloys have been analyzed based on microstructure analysis and engineering data. T1 and T2 are typically less ductile than the base Inconel 713C. The machinability characteristics of these materials were studied using a turning machine, including the tool flank wear, wear mechanism, surface roughness, cutting temperature, chip formation, and cutting forces. A commercial tungsten carbide TiAlN-coated tool was used in the experiments. Abrasive wear mainly plays a role in the wear mechanism during the cutting of base Inconel 713C before either BUE formation or catastrophic fracture occurs. Erosion of the cutting edge occurs due to diffusion wear after abrasive wear when cutting both the T1- and T2-grade alloys. However, catastrophic fracture occurs regularly when cutting T2. Data on the surface roughness, cutting temperature, chip formation, and cutting forces are also provided. Based on the experimental results, T1 has the best machinability in term of lowest flank wear and cutting force.