Nanostructured TiCrN thin films by Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering for cutting tool applications

Nanostructured Titanium chromium nitride (TiCrN) thin films at different pulsed frequencies were grown on steels by pulsed reactive DC magnetron sputtering technique. The crystal structure and morphology of the TiCrN films sputtered at different frequencies were characterized. The surface composition and chemical states of each element in TiCrN thin films were studied by ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS).The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coated steels was monitored by both impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization technique in 3.5% NaCl at room temperature. A block on ring wear tester was used to monitor the variation of coefficient of friction with different sputtering frequency. The mechanical applications of TiCrN thin films were studied by fabricating the thin films on micro drill bits and testing it on 1 mm thick steel plates. A superior surface finish, diameter precision of the hole, reduced material build up on the cutting edges and finally increased tool life were obtained with TiCrN coated HSS drill bits. Machining tests were conducted by coating the inserts with TiCrN thin films.

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