The role of cemented carbide functionally graded outer-layers on the wear performance of coated cutting tools

► Comparison of cutting performance of coated tools with functionally graded substrates. ► Cubic carbide enriched-surface layers improve tool life in finishing operations. ► Main effect of fcc-rich layers is retardation of crater wear and plastic deformation. ► Fcc-free layers present stable cutting tip performance in interrupted cutting. ► Wear performance of Ti(C,N)-κ-Al2O3 multilayers improved by interlocking effect.