Performance of the self-lubricating textured tools in dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V

Surface textures were made using laser on the rake or flank face of the cemented carbide (WC/Co) inserts. Molybdenum disulfide solid lubricants were filled into the textured grooves to form self-lubricating textured tools. Dry cutting tests on Ti-6Al-4V were carried out with these self-lubricating textured tools and conventional tool. The machining performance was assessed in terms of the cutting forces, cutting temperature, chip thickness ratio, friction coefficient at the tool-chip interface, and tool wear. Results show that the cutting forces and cutting temperature of the self-lubricating textured tools were reduced compared with that of the conventional tool. The application of the self-lubricating textured tool with elliptical grooves on its rake face can reduce the tool-chip friction coefficient and the chip thickness ratio. The tool life of the textured tools is improved compared with that of the conventional tool. The effectiveness of the self-lubricating textured tools in improving cutting performance is related to the cutting parameter.