Effect of WC and group IV carbides on the cutting performance of Ti(C,N) cermet tools

The effect of carbides and nitrides from group IV (ZrC, ZrN and HfC) in the periodic table on the microstructure and cutting performance of Ti(C,N)-xWC-Ni systems was examined. The WC content was varied from 5 to 20 wt.% and additive carbides or nitrides were added individually at a level of 1 wt.%. In general, inserts containing 15 wt.% WC exhibited the longest tool life for turning while those containing 20 wt.% WC showed the longest tool life for milling. When 1 wt.% ZrC, ZrN, or HfC were added to Ti(C,N)-14WC-Ni (wt.%), these cermets showed the best cutting performance among the various cermet compositions investigated in this study. The improved performance can be attributed to the low strain energy developed between the core and rim interfaces. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.