Effect of compacting pressure on microstructure and mechanical properties of carbide cutting tools

Abstract

The effects of compaction pressure on properties of carbide cutting tools containing 80·5 wt-%WC, 5 wt-%TiC, 5 wt-%TaC–NbC and 9·5 wt-%Co were studied. These tools were formed by powder metallurgy with different compacting pressures ranging from 77 to 231 MPa (5–15 tons in⁻²) and sintered in a vacuum furnace at a constant sintering temperature (1450°C) and at a constant heating and cooling rate of 5°C min⁻¹. Green and bulk densities, shrinkage and hardness of the produced compacts were measured. Tool cutting performance has been assessed based on machining a medium alloyed steel workpiece under different cutting conditions and measuring the tool flank wear and the workpiece surface roughness. The microstructure of the compacts was metallographically examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results have revealed that both densities and hardness figures increase with increasing compaction pressures, while shrinkage decreases. Cutting performance has not demonstrated a substantial improvement of the tool's performance and life due to the increasing compacting pressure of these tools.