Metal cutting experiments and modelling for improved determination of chip/tool contact temperature by infrared thermography

Temperature measurement in metal cutting at the chip and work contact is of central importance due to temperature dependence of tool wear and surface integrity. Infrared thermography is commonly employed to determine the tool side face temperature in orthogonal cutting but temperature needs to be estimated at the tool chip contact area. This experimental and modelling study of AISI 4140 steel and Ti6Al4V titanium alloy cut respectively by P and K grade cemented carbide tools at practical cutting speeds and feeds shows the relationship between side face and in-contact temperature, for the more certain use of the infra-red thermography method. (C) 2015 CIRP.