DESIGN AND PROPERTIES OF A FUNCTIONALLY GRADIENT CERAMIC TOOL MATERIAL

Based on the analyses of the severity of cutting process as well as the failure mechanisms of ceramic tools, a model for designing functionally gradient ceramic tool materials with symmetrical distribution is presented, by which a Al 2O 3/(W,Ti)C ceramic tool material FG 2 was developed. Multi objective optimization method was employed in designing the compositional distribution of this ceramic tool material. The results of both continuous and intermittent cutting tests are indicative of the much better cutting behavior of the functionally gradient ceramic tool FG 2 than that of the common ceramic tool SG 4.

Relationship Between Thermal Shock Behavior and Cutting Performance of a Functionally Gradient Ceramic Tool

Based on the deep understanding of the requirements of cutting conditions on ceramic tools, a design model for functionally gradient ceramic tool materials with symmetrical composition distribution was presented in this paper, according to which an Al 2O 3-TiC functionally gradient ceramic tool material FG-1 was synthesized by powder-laminating and uniaxially hot-pressing technique. The thermal shock resistance of the Al 2O 3-TiC functionally gradient ceramics FG-1 was evaluated by water quenching and subsequent three-point bending tests of flexural strength diminution. Comparisons were made with results from parallel experiments conducted using a homogeneous Al 2O 3-TiC ceramics. Functionally gradient ceramics exhibited higher retained strength under all thermal shock temperature differences compared to homogeneous ceramics, indicating the higher thermal shock resistance. The experimental results were supported by the calculation of transient thermal stress field. The cutting performance of the Al 2O 3-TiC functionally gradient ceramic tool FG-1 was also investigated in rough turning the cylindrical surface of exhaust valve of diesel engine in comparison with that of a common Al 2O 3-TiC ceramic tool LT55. The results indicated that the tool life of FG-1 increased by 50 percent over that of LT55. Tool life of LT55 was mainly controlled by thermal shock cracking which was accompanied by mechanical shock. While tool life of FG-1 was mainly controlled by mechanical fatigue crack extension rather than thermal shock cracking, revealing the less thermal shock susceptibility of functionally gradient ceramics than that of common ceramics.

Synergistically Toughening Effect of SiC Whiskers and Nanoparticles in Al_2O_3-based Composite Ceramic Cutting Tool Material

In recent decades, many additives with different characteristics have been applied to strengthen and toughen Al2O3-based ceramic cutting tool materials. Among them, SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles showed excellent performance in improving the material properties. While no attempts have been made to add SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles together into the ceramic matrix and the synergistically toughening effects of them have not been studied. An Al2O3-SiCw-SiC np advanced ceramic cutting tool material is fabricated by adding both one-dimensional SiC whiskers and zero-dimensional SiC nanoparticles into the Al2O3 matrix with an effective dispersing and mixing process. The composites with 25 vol% SiC whiskers and 25 vol% SiC nanoparticles alone are also investegated for comparison purposes. Results show that the Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp composite with both 20 vo1% SiC whiskers and 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles additives have much improved mechanical properties. The flexural strength of Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp is 730＋ 95 MPa and fracture toughness is 5.6 ± 0.6 MPa.m1/2. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms of SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are studied when they are added either individually or in combination. It is indicated that when SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are added together, the grains are further refined and homogenized, so that the microstructure and fracture mode ratio is modified. The SiC nanoparticles are found helpful to enhance the toughening effects of the SiC whiskers. The proposed research helps to enrich the types of ceramic cutting tool and is benefit to expand the application range of ceramic cutting tool.

Strengthening and Toughening Effect of Yttrium on Al_(2)O_(3)/TiCN Ceramic Tool Material

The strengthening and toughening effect of yttrium on an advanced Al2O3/TiCN ceramic tool material was studied by means of SEM 9 TEM and energy spectrum analysis. Results showed that yttrium can react with the impurity elements such as W, Fe, Cr, etc. Thus, the interfaces between ceramic phases are purified and the interfacial binding strength is increased. As a result, the mechanical properties of the AL2O3/TiCN ceramic tool material reinforced with yttrium are improved significantly. In addition, the effect of yttrium on particle strengthening of the solid solution TiCN may partly contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties.

Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Wear Resistance of Ceramic Tool Materials

Through the addition of Y, Sm and Ce in Al2O3/(W, Ti)C ceramic matrix, it was found that the amount and kind of the added rare earth elements have some different influences on the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composite. Under the present experimental conditions, the flank wear curves of the selected ceramic tool materials when machining the hardened tool steel obeyed the wear law well. But wear resistance of different ceramic materials varied with each other. Wear resistance of rare earth ceramic tool materials was higher than that of the corresponding materials without rare earth. Wear modes of the developed Al2O3/(W, Ti)C series rare earth ceramic tool materials were mainly flank wear and accompanied with slight crater wear.

MULTI-SCALE AND MULTI-PHASE NANOCOMPOSITE CERAMIC TOOLS AND CUTTING PERFORMANCE

An advanced ceramic cutting tool material Al2O3/TiC/TiN （LTN） is developed by incorporation and dispersion of micro-scale TiC particle and nano-scale TiN particle in alumina matrix. With the optimal dispersing and fabricating technology, this multi-scale and multi-phase nanocomposite ceramic tool material can get both higher flexural strength and fracture toughness than that of A1203/TiC （LZ） ceramic tool material without nano-scale TiN particle, especially the fracture toughness can reach to 7.8 MPa . m^0.5. The nano-scale TiN can lead to the grain fining effect and promote the sintering process to get a higher density. The coexisting transgranular and intergranular fracture mode induced by micro-scale TiC and nano-scale TiN, and the homogeneous and densified microstructure can result in a remarkable strengthening and toughening effect. The cutting performance and wear mechanisms of the advanced multi-scale and multi-phase nanocomposite ceramic cutting tool are researched.

ZERO TRANSMISSION AND ITS APPLICATION IN HIGH SPEED CNC MACHINE TOOLS

In order to realize high speed machining,the special requirements for the transmission and sturctrue of CNC machine tool have to be satisfied.A high speed spindle unit driven by a built-in motor is developed.An oil-water heat exchange system is used for cooling the spindle motor.The spindle is supported by Si_4N_3 ceramic ball angular contact bearings. An oil-air lubricator is used to lubricate and cool the spindle bearings.Some special structures are taken for balancing the spindle.

Modeling Notch Wear of Ceramic Tool in High Speed Machining of Nickel-based Superalloy

On the basis of theoretical analyses and calculations of high speed continuous impact force and tool notch surface temperature acted upon by burr and serrated chip edge, a notch wear model of low stress value and temperature impact fatigue was established. Saw-tooth-shaped burr and fin-shaped chip edge continuously impacts the rake face and flank face at high speed and high fre-quency, which results in a V-shaped notch wear. An experiment was done to validate that the saw-tooth-shaped burr does affect the notch wear. This model can be utilized to solve reasonably many problems that cannot be explained by any other theoretical assumptions.

An Experiment to Explain Depth of Cut Notch Wear of Ceramic Tools in Ni- based Super-alloy Machining

Inconel 718, a high temperature alloy, is extensive ly used in aircraft, gas engines and nuclear-power plants. It is generally known that the life of ceramic cutting tools in machining Inconel 718 is often restric ted by depth-of-cut (DOC) notch wear. In view of the number of various factors involved and the variety of tool materi als and cutting conditions available, the analysis of the DOC notch wear is very difficult. According to previous work concerning the DOC notch wear of ceramics tools, some Al 2O 3 - and Si 3N 4 -based ceramics tools have show n that the degree of tool notching depends on the thermal shock resistance of a tool material and thermal gradients (interrupted cutting, use of flood coolants) . Other observations suggest that there are chemical interactions between the to ol material and the work-piece. At the same time, an analytical technique based on thermodynamic properties for estimating cutting tool wear was proposed. Howe ver, so far, there is no concrete and convincing explanation for the DOC notch w ear. In all previous studies on the DOC notch wear, it is often assumed that notch we ar happened in the contacting region of the cutting tool and the work-piece, wh ile the exact position of notch wear is always neglected. In his article, He Ning measured the distance l n between tool nose and the center of DOC notch wear, and calculated the theoretical working length l d ― the ideal distance between the DOC notch center and the intersection of th e theoretical depth of cut line and the cutting edge. He found that l n is always greater than l d. It means that the position of the DOC notch is not at the depth of cut line, but out of the theoretical cutting area. He supposed that the saw-tooth shaped burrs and fin-shaped chip edges cause the DOC no tch wear, because only the saw-tooth shaped burrs and fin-shaped chip edges ha ve effect on the tools at the region of notch wear. Although He described the reason of notch wear and did some theoretical analysis of it, he has not done some experiments to verify it. In this paper, an experim ent was done to verify He’s assumption about DOC notch wear. In the present exp eriment, which has been done with the ceramic inserts (LT55), Working conditions at the region of DOC notch wear were analyzed. By using a KISTLER 9265B dyn amometer, the dynamic cutting force signals in three directions were pick up. By comparison between the theoretical frequency, with which the saw-shaped burr a nd fin-shaped chip edge impact on the region of notch wear, and the experimenta l results, it can be seen that the high frequency components of dynamic cutting forces mainly result from the impact effects of the saw-shaped burr and fin-sh aped chip edge. In high speed machining of nickel based alloys, DOC notch wear of ceramic tools is mainly because the impact effect of the burr and fin-shaped chip edge causes tools to be of fatigue damage, and the adherence between tool material and work piece material changes the direction of pressure stress and makes the micro-cra ck to appear and extend quickly.

Stress Field Analyses of Functionally Gradient Ceramic Tool by FEM

The cutting properties of the functionally gradient ceramic cutting tools relate closely to the gradient distribution. A cutting model of the functionally gradient ceramic tool is firstly designed in the present paper. The optimum of gradient distribution is obtained by way of the FEM analyses.

Conversion of Rapid Prototyping Models into Metallic Tools by Ceramic Moulding—an Indirect Rapid Tooling Process

A process to convert models made by rapid prototypi ng techniques like SL (stereolitography) and LOM (laminated object manufacturing) or by conventional techniques (silicones, resins, wax, etc.) into metallic mould s or tools has been developed. The main purpose of this technique is to rapidly obtain the first prototypes of parts, for plastics injection, forging or any oth er manufacturing process using the tools produced by casting a metal into a cera mic mould. Briefly, it can be said that the ceramic moulds are produced by mixing in variab le proportions, depending on the type of ceramics employed, strength and roughne ss desired, a ceramic mixture composed by alumina and/or zirconium silicates bon ded with silica coming from a liquid binder, based on ethyl silicate. A catalyst is added to the slurry in order to produce a sol-gel reaction. The liquid slur ry is poured into the box containing the mould to be reproduced. After a short p eriod of time, controlled by the amount of gelling agent, the ceramic mixture ac quires a rubber consistency. The pattern is removed from the ceramic mould, whic h is fired to stop the gelation reaction. After this stabilization the ceramic m ould is sintered at high temperatures in order to generate an inert mould wi th the desired strength in which almost all metallic alloys can be cast. The effect of ceramic materials (shape, granulometric distribution, chemical com position, etc.), processing parameters (proportion binder/ceramic/catalyst, sint ering conditions, etc.) and casting conditions (mould pre-heating temperature a nd pouring temperature) were studied in order to obtain metallic moulds or tools with tailored properties (high dimensional accuracy, low roughness and high mec hanical strength).

NOTCH WEAR OF MACHINING NICKEL BASED ALLOYS WITH CERAMIC TOOLS

The performances of mixed ceramic and sialon ceramic tools in machining nickel based alloy are tested.The negative cutting edge inclination and small tool lead angle are recommended for reducing ceramic tool failure. So called“notching at depth of cut”is not actually at the depth of cutting line, but out of cutting area。 The real reason of notching is caused by shocking of “sawtooth”on sawtooth- shaped burr and fin- shaped edges of chip

High Speed Cutting Inconel 718 with Coated Carbide and Ceramic Inserts

High speed machining (HSM) technology is one of important aspects of advanced manufacturing technology. Nickel-based superalloys have been widely used in the aircraft and nuclear industry due to their exceptional thermal resistance and the ability to retain mechanical properties at elevated temperatures of service environment over 700 ℃. However, they are classified as difficult-to-cut materials due to their high shear strength, work hardening tendency, highly abrasive carbide particles in the microstructure, strong tendency to weld and form built-up edge and low thermal conductivity. They have a tendency to maintain their strength at high temperature that is generated during machining. The Inconel 718 workpiece material used in the experiment was in the hot forged and annealed condition. The commercially available inserts (all inserts were made by Kennametal Inc.) were selected for the tests, a PVD TiAlN coated carbide, a CVD/PVD TiN/TiCN/TiN coated carbide and a CVD Al 2O 3/TiC/TiCN coated carbide were used at the cutting speed range about 50～100 m/min. Three kinds Sialon grade inserts with various geometry and cutting angles were used at the cutting speed range from 100 m/min to 300 m/min. For evaluating the inserts machinability when high speed cutting Inconel 718, Taylor Formula within certain cutting speeds, an high speed cutting experiment of tool life was carried out to establish the models of tool life by means of rapid facing turning test. The conclusions drawn from the turning of Inconel 718 with silicon nitride based ceramic; PVD and CVD coated carbide inserts are as follows: Studies on tool wear in high speed machining. The thorough investigations and studies were made on the tool wear form, wear process and wear mechanism in high speed cutting of difficult-to-machine materials with ceramic tools and with coated carbides. The major wear mechanisms of nickel-based alloys are interactions of abrasive wear, adhesion wear, micro-breakout and chipping. Optimization analysis on the application of high speed machining. Based on the experimental results, the optimal cutting parameters were determined for machining of Inconel 718 at high speed. The recommendation of tool inserts for high speed cutting inconel 718 were ceramic inserts of KY2000 with negative rake angle and KY2100 with round type, the PVD coated carbide insert KC7310 was recommended for its lower price.

Rare earth ceramic cutting tool and its cutting behavior when machining hardened steel and cast iron

The addition of rare earth element yttrium played an important role in the improvement of both mechanical properties and wear resistance of Al2O3/(W,Ti)C ceramic cutting tool material.Mechanical properties especially the fracture toughness and flexural strength were obviously increased when a suitable amount of the yttrium were added.Wear resistance of the developed rare earth ceramic cutting tool material was higher than that of the corresponding materials without rare earth in the machining of the hardened 45# carbon steel and cast iron HT20-40.Wear modes of the Al2O3/(W,Ti)C rare earth ceramic tool materials were mainly flank wear and crater wear accompanied with slight notch wear when machining the hardened carbon steel.Wear mechanisms were major abrasive wear at low cutting speed and adhesive wear at high cutting speed.Wear modes were nearly the same except that the adhesion phenomenon in the crater area was intensified when machining cast iron.The flank wear area was relatively smooth with no obvious plowing phenomenon which was possibly concerned with the workpiece of low hardness and the adhesion phenomenon at high cutting temperature.