Experimental evaluation of coated carbide insert on alloy of steel materials during high speed turning process

The present study investigated the effect of coated carbide turning inserts on the surface roughness of AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel, AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel and AISI 1020 low carbon steel workpiece materials. The three steel grade materials were dry-turned using aluminium oxide (Al2O3) duratomic coated inserts at cutting speeds ranging from 1500 – 2000 rpm (229 – 314 m/min), feed rates of 0.25 – 0.75 mm/rev and depth of cut kept constant at 0.5 mm. Surface roughness values at different cutting conditions were measured and analysed. Chips formed at different cutting parameters were collected, classified according to ISO 3685 standards for chip classification and their surface morphology were analysed using optical microscopy. It was observed that feed rate had the greatest influence on surface roughness for the three workpiece materials. Surface finish deteriorated as feed rate increased. The chips formed were generally of the continuous type with built-up-edges.