Performance of the self-lubricating textured tools in dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V

Surface textures were made using laser on the rake or flank face of the cemented carbide (WC/Co) inserts. Molybdenum disulfide solid lubricants were filled into the textured grooves to form self-lubricating textured tools. Dry cutting tests on Ti-6Al-4V were carried out with these self-lubricating textured tools and conventional tool. The machining performance was assessed in terms of the cutting forces, cutting temperature, chip thickness ratio, friction coefficient at the tool–chip interface, and tool wear. Results show that the cutting forces and cutting temperature of the self-lubricating textured tools were reduced compared with that of the conventional tool. The application of the self-lubricating textured tool with elliptical grooves on its rake face can reduce the tool–chip friction coefficient and the chip thickness ratio. The tool life of the textured tools is improved compared with that of the conventional tool. The effectiveness of the self-lubricating textured tools in improving cutting performance is related to the cutting parameter.