Performance of cutting tools in machining Cu/W alloys for application in EDM electrodes

The aim of this preliminary investigation is to study the performance of three distinct cutting tools, cemented carbide (WC), chemical vapour deposition diamond (CVDD) and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) when dry machining a copper-tungsten alloy. Cutting and feed forces, maximum cutting temperature, surface roughness and tool wear will be studied in function of the cutting time and each cutting tool. It can be stated that, for the applied cutting conditions, the tool that proved to have the best performance from a wear point of view, is the WC cutting tool. From a surface roughness point of view, the CVDD cutting tool is very similar to WC, leaving the PCD cutting tool with a lower performance. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.