Machinability Studies of Austenitic Stainless Steel (AISI 304) Using PVD Cathodic Arc Evaporation (CAE) System Deposited AlCrN/TiAlN Coated Carbide Inserts

The focus of the paper is on green machining, the environmentally friendly manufacturing (dry machining) which is ecologically desirable and cost effective. The “Cathodic Arc Evaporation Technique(CAE)” is used for depositing AlCrN/TiAlN coating used for dry, high speed turning of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel The effect of machining parameters on the cutting force, cutting temperature and surface finish were investigated during the experimentation. It is found that, as feed increases, the radial force increases therefore more friction exists between newly generated surface and the flank face so surface roughness increases. Tool-chip interface temperature increases with increase in cutting speed and it is higher because of low thermal conductivity of the coating as well as AISI 304 work material and AlCrN/TiAlN coating. Thermal stability of the AlCrN/TiAlN coating is good therefore it withstands the high temperature and gives better performance especially in case of dry turning and it also helps in reduction in cutting forces.The present approach and results will be helpful for understanding the machinability of AISI 304 steel during dry, high speed turning for the manufacturing engineers.