Al2O3–V cutting tools for machining hardened stainless steel

The paper presents research results of dry cutting performance of alumina ceramic matrix composites with the addition of vanadium phase. The main criterion for the selection of metallic phase was the ability to create metal oxides phases during cutting process that are characterized with graphite-like structure. The study focuses on examining the formation of oxide layer which acts as a lubricant on the surface of the cutting edge and contributes to lowering the friction coefficient and thereby reduces the wear of the cutting tool during machining process. The article discusses the basic performance of produced composites such as Vickers hardness, Young modulus and fracture toughness. The dry machining test on 145 CR6 steel (hardness 50±2 HRC) results are also analyzed including cutting tool life and roughness parameter Ra of machined steel surface. The article also compares cutting performance of produced composites with those of commercial ceramic cutting tools.