Experimental investigations to enhance the machining performance of tungsten carbide tool insert using microwave treatment process

Currently, machining industries are moving towards good product quality and better productivity. Adverse machining conditions result in rapid tool wear, reduction in surface finish, and increase in cutting forces. Premature and gradual tool failures increase machining costs. Tool hardness is the significant mechanical property that facilitates tool to hold up in unpleasant machining conditions and reduces tool wear and cutting forces. This paper describes the results of experiments carried out to study the performance of carbide tool inserts which were subjected to microwave treatment. The machining performance of the tool inserts was evaluated in terms of flank wear, auxiliary flank wear, surface roughness, and cutting force measurement. Cutting parameters, i.e., feed, speed, and depth of cut, were kept constant in dry-cutting condition. The enhancement in mechanical properties was studied using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results indicate that microwave-irradiated tool inserts perform better during machining of AISI 1040 steel as compared to untreated insert.