Flank wear characteristics of WC-Co tools when turning Alloy 718 with high-pressure coolant supply

In the present study, the tool wear mechanisms of uncoated cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) tools during machining Alloy 718 with high-pressure coolant supply are investigated. Worn flank faces are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). With increasing spiral cutting length, larger areas on the tool surface are subjected to erosion of Co-binder by the coolant jet impact. Moreover, the amount and morphology of workpiece-precipitates adhered on worn flank surfaces are influenced significantly by the extent of flank wear land (due to increasing spiral cutting length). The reasons for the obtained results are addressed with respect to the underlying mechanisms. Possible implications for the tool wear behavior are discussed. (C) 2017 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.