Influence of dry micro-blasting grain quality on wear behaviour of TiAlN coated tools

► Micro-blasting on PVD coated tools increases film hardness and brittleness. ► Simultaneously, the substrate at the cutting wedge may be revealed. ► For enhancing cutting performance, micro-blasting pressure and time have to be optimized. ► Hereupon, the applied grain properties and kinematics have to be also considered.