Adhering failure and optimization of cemented carbide inserts for the heavy-duty cutting of high-strength steel forgings

Abstract

In this study, the adhering failure of cemented carbide inserts during the heavy-duty cutting of large-scale, high-strength steel forgings is investigated. First, the heavy-duty cutting of high-strength steel forgings is simulated. According to the results, the maximum cutting temperature and force were approximately 950 ℃ and 42 KN, respectively. Next, the effects of these thermal-mechanical loading conditions on the material performance of the inserts are discussed. In addition, the adhering failure of the inserts is analyzed. Then, an insert-chip adhering model and the high-temperature strength of the insert material are used to illustrate the critical condition of the insert-chip adhering process via MATLAB simulations. Furthermore, the anti-adhering performance of the inserts is improved and an optimized insert design for the heavy-duty cutting process is constructed from the aspects of insert material, structure and coating. According to the results, the service lift of the heavy-duty cutting inserts XF8 was two times greater than that of conventional welded cemented carbide inserts. The cutting parameters of the large-scale forging process are also optimized using the orthogonal experimental method. The results of this study could be used to improve the anti-adhering performance, service life, and production efficiency of cemented carbide inserts intended for the cutting of large-scale forgings.