The influence of residual thermal stresses on the mechanical properties of multilayer α-Al2O3/TiCxN1 − x coatings on WC/Co cutting tools

► Calculated results are correlated to measured properties. ► Effect of channel cracks on the stress distribution is determined. ► Residual thermal stresses in the coatings reduce the hardness. ► Channel cracks separated by < 50 microns do not contribute to additional stress relief.