Milling performance of TiC-Ni cermet tools toughened by TiN nanoparticles

► TiC-based cermets with TiN nanoparticles are prepared by spark plasma sintering. ► The tools fabricated from as-prepared TiC-based cermets display good milling properties. ► The improved cutting performance of TiC-based cermet tools can be attributed to the rim reinforced by TiN nanoparticles.