Turning tests of high rate reactively sputter-coated T-15 HSS inserts☆

Abstract T-15 high speed steel cutting tool inserts were coated with TiN, TiC, ZrN, ZrC, HfN and HfC by high rate reactive sputtering, and these coated inserts were tested in two high speed lathe turning tests. All coated inserts outperformed uncoated ones, and TiN coated inserts had the longest life in both tests. With 4340 steel as the workpiece, the order of performance of two-step coated inserts in descending order was TiN, TiC, ZrC, HfC, ZrN and HfN. In a less abrasive cutting test with 1045 steel as the workpiece, the order of performance of angle-coated inserts was TiN, HfC, ZrN, HfN, TiC and ZrC.