Methodology for tool wear analysis by a simple procedure during milling of AISI H13 and its impact on surface morphology

Abstract In the entire production chain the manufacturing of dies and molds represents a significant link because nearly all mass produced discrete parts are formed using dies and molds. Many parts of the automobile are made by forging processes. The machining of forging dies, usually made of high alloy steel, is expensive since dies support severe conditions with a complex shaped surface. In this paper a simple procedure is stablished to analyze tool wear during the machining of high hardness materials used in the manufacture of forging dies. Some parameters are analyzed, as flank wear (VB) or retraction of the cutting edge (KS). Moreover, the impact of mentioned wear process on specifically designed geometries of complex form is elucidated as topographical signature of dies and consequently the replication during forging process.