The influence of built-up layer formation on cutting performance of GG25 grey cast iron

The success of high speed machining of grey cast iron relates to the protective built-up layer (BUL) that forms on the tool. The present work investigates BUL formation on pcBN tools for dry, high speed machining of GG25 grey cast iron (up to vc = 750 m/min). This work suggests that the BUL distribution on the tool at high cutting speed (vc = 750 m/min) is key to tool protection. Protection in the area of maximum cutting temperature is critical in preventing thermally driven wear modes, such as crater wear, found at low cutting speeds (vc = 250 m/min).