Cutting performance of titanium carbonitride cermet tools

Titanium carbonitride matrix cermets with different WC/TiCN ratio, Co/Ni ratio and C/N ratio in TiCN solid solution were prepared according to a powder metallurgical procedure. Their cutting performance was investigated, and their flank worn micrographs were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. Results show the optimum WC/TiCN ratio, Co/Ni ratio and C/N ratio are 0.30, 2.0, 1.0, respectively. Cermets with high hardness and TRS show excellent flank wear resistance. The flank wear of the tool is caused by the abrasive, oxidation and diffusive wear at high cutting speed. Decreasing Co/Ni ratio and C/N ratio improve the oxidation and diffusive wear resistance of cermet tool.