Material properties and tool performance of Ti-based solid solution cermets for micro end-mill applications

The microstructure, mechanical properties, and micro end-milling performance of various Ti-based solid solution cermets were investigated in an attempt to understand the relationship between the raw material's properties and its tool performance. The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-based solid solution cermets were varied through modulation of their nitrogen and tungsten content as well as metal binder composition. The micro end-mill with a composition of (Ti0.88W0.12)C-7.5wt.%Co-7.5wt.%Ni exhibited the best performance under micro-cutting conditions. The excellent fracture toughness and reasonable hardness of this Ti-based solid solution cermets were the primary reasons for the enhanced tool performance. The overall results demonstrate that the Ti-based solid solution cermets are extremely promising for micro end-mill applications.

► Ti-based solid solution cermets were evaluated as micro end-milling tools for the first time in this research area.
► Co binder is an important factor to improve tool performance of Ti-based solid-solution cermets micro end-mill.
► Fracture toughness of the raw materials is directly related to tool performance.
► We developed the potential composition, (Ti0.88W0.12)C-7.5wt.%Co-7.5wt.%Ni, of raw materials for micro end-milling tool.