An experimental technique for the measurement of temperature fields for the orthogonal cutting in high speed machining

Cutting temperature and heat generated at the tool-chip interface during high speed machining operations have been recognized as major factors that influence tool performance and workpiece geometry or properties. This paper presents an experimental setup able to determine the temperature field in the cutting zone, during an orthogonal machining operation with 42 CrMo 4 steel. The machining was performed with a gas gun, using standard carbide tools TiCN coated and for cutting speeds up to 50 ms -1. The technique of temperature measurement was developed on the principle of pyrometry in the visible spectral range by using an intensified CCD camera with very short exposure time and interference filter at 0.8 μm. Temperature gradients were obtained in an area close to the cutting edge of the tool, along the secondary shear zone. Effects of the cutting speed and the chip thickness on the temperature profile in the chip were determined. Maximum chip temperature of about 825 °C was found, for cutting speed close to 20 ms -1, located at a distance of 300 μm of the tool tip. It was established that this experimental arrangement is quite efficient and can provide fundamental data on the temperature field in materials during orthogonal high speed machining.