The effect of pulsating lubrication method on rake face cutting tool during end milling of inconel 718

Abstract

Inconel 718 is widely used in components under harsh conditions. The abrasiveness of the carbide particles, poor heat conductivity and built-up edge (BUE) formation are common issues which warrant further investigation. In this work, the failure mode of a TiAlN/AlCrN-coated tungsten carbide (WC) tool during milling of Inconel 718 using different lubrication strategies, namely pulsating lubrication (PLS) and flood-coolant (FC), were compared. The effects of the pulsating water stream at 2000 pulse/min, when applying lubrication pressures at 8 bar, were discussed. Reduction of BUE at the tool tip was observed. The study revealed that this approach is better in delaying pitting, notch wear formation and flaking damage. Hence, the service life of a cutting tool can be extended when compared to the flood-coolant strategy.

Keywords

• End milling
• Inconel 718
• Pulsating lubrication strategy
• Built-up edge
• Tool life