The Chip Formation Process When Cutting High-Speed Steels and Ti3SiC2 Ceramics

Abstract

The paper presents the microstructural characterization of the chip roots in high-speed steels and ceramic Ti3SiC2. The process of chip formation and the obtaining of adequate samples were carried out using the quick-stop method. The tests were carried out during the milling process; the “quick stop” method was carried out in order to obtain samples of the chip roots. This method was developed in-house by the authors. The chip roots were microscopically studied by means of a light microscope (LM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Before the actual analysis, preparation was performed based on the standard metallographic technique. The analysis of the high-speed steels samples showed that, for the used cutting conditions, a discontinuous chip with a built-up edge (BUE) was formed. During the processing of the Ti3SiC2 ceramic, a significant difference was manifested in the chip formation process and a powder-like chip was produced. After utilizing a careful cutting process, a chip pattern was observed, from which it is evident that chip breakage during ceramic processing occurs without prior plastic deformation. In addition, the cutting force Fc was also measured during the milling process of the high-speed steels and the ceramic, and it was correlated with the cutting speed, feed per tooth and depth of cut.