Surface Structuring of Multilayer Coated Cutting Tool Using Nd: YVO4 Nanosecond Laser

Micro-structuring of cutting tools surfaces using laser technology is an important technology for modifying tool chip contact phenomenon. While lasers are becoming popular for surface structuring and texturing of cutting tool surfaces, the size and the shapes that can be obtained has not been fully explored for multilayer coated cutting tools using Nd: YVO4 nanosecond laser. In this study, the micromachining of TiCN/Al2O3/Cr multilayer coated tungsten carbide tools using Nd: YVO4 nanosecond laser at 532 nm wavelength and 7 ns pulse width was undertaken. The impact of the variation of laser travel speed, power, and the number of passes on the structured grooves width and depth is described. The study shows that various grooves' cross-section profiles can be produced. The performance of a structured cutting tools was also evaluated using orthogonal cutting of steel AISI4140.