Enhanced Machining Performance of WC-Co Tools via TiAlSiMoYN Multi-component Coating
摘要
While transition metal nitride coatings are widely used in cutting tools, achieving structural stability and prolonged wear resistance under demanding dry machining conditions remains a critical challenge. Although Yttrium (Y) doping is known to improve high-temperature oxidation resistance, the synergistic effects of Y within complex multi-component systems are not fully understood. To address this gap, this study comprehensively investigates the microstructural evolution and tribological mechanisms of a novel TiAlSiMoYN multi-component coating applied to WC-12Co cutting tools via the Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition (CAPVD) method. XRD analyses showed that a nitride-based structure containing TiN and YN was successfully formed. This structure provided a continuous and dense coating layer with an average thickness of 2.54 µm and a low surface roughness (Ra = 0.09 µm). It significantly improved the microhardness to 2261.8 ± 17.3 HV0.05, corresponding to an ~ 48% increase compared to the uncoated WC-Co substrate (1522.6 ± 13.1 HV0.05). Scratch tests showed good adhesion of the coating to the substrate. The first critical load at which cohesive damage began was ≈ 63 N. Machining experiments demonstrated that the TiAlSiMoYN-coated tool significantly reduced cutting forces at high chip volumes. The tangential force (Fx) was limited to 52-170 N compared to 130-275 N for the uncoated cutting tool, and the maximum radial force (Fy) was reduced from 421 to 278 N. Overall, the results show that TiAlSiMoYN coatings, significantly improve tool life, wear resistance, and machining stability, making them ideal for demanding dry machining applications.