Milling performance of TiC–Ni cermet tools toughened by TiN nanoparticles

Abstract A novel indexable TiC-based cermet tool (named tool A) with intra/intergranular microstructure has been designed and fabricated in application of face milling of a medium carbon steel (AISI 1045) in the dry condition comparison with commercial WC-Co tool (named tool B). Compared to the tool B, the newly as-prepared cermet tool A had an advantage of high speed cutting performances in cutting carton steel. Wear behavior was investigated in order to better understand the relationship between outstanding cutting properties and microstructure. The improved cutting performance of tool A can be attributed to the rim reinforced by TiN nanoparticles.