Cutting forces and surface finish when machining medium hardness steel using CBN tools

Cutting forces generated using CBN tools have been evaluated when cutting steel being hardened to 45-55 HRC. Radial thrust cutting force was the largest among the three cutting force components and was most sensitive to the changes of cutting edge geometry and tool wear. The surface finish produced by CBN tools was compatible with the results of grinding and was affected by cutting speed, tool wear and plastic behaviour of the workpiece material. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.