Effect of conical micro-grooved texture on tool–chip friction property and cutting performance of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide tools

Purpose This study aimed to clarify the influence mechanism of conical micro-grooved texture on the tool–chip friction property and cutting performance of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide tools under flood lubrication conditions. Design/methodology/approach Conical micro-grooved texture was fabricated on the tool rake face using laser texture technology. Metal cutting tests were conducted on AISI 1045 steel with conventional and developed tools for various cutting speeds (80 m/min to 160 m/min) and conical angles of micro-grooved texture (2 ° to 5 °) under flood lubrication condition. The effect of conical micro-grooved texture on the tool cutting force, tool–chip friction coefficient, surface roughness of the machined workpiece, and wear of the tool rake face was determined. Findings Unlike the conventional tools, the conical micro-grooved tools successfully resulted in reductions in metal cutting force, tool–chip frictional coefficient, surface roughness of the machined workpiece, and wear of the tool rake face. These reductions were more noticeable than those of conventional tools with increases in the cutting speed and conical angle of the micro-grooved texture. Detailed research indicated that conical micro-grooved channel exhibits a directional motion characteristic of liquid, which accelerated the infiltration of cutting fluid at the tool–chip interface. Substantial cutting fluid was supplied and stored at the tool–chip interface for the conical micro-grooved tools. Therefore, the conical micro-grooved texture on the tool rake face showed evident advantages in improving tool–chip friction and tool cutting performance. Originality/value The main contribution of this study is proposing a new conical micro-grooved texture on the tool rake face, which improved tool–chip friction and tool cutting performance.